How to write the “Why us?” supplement essay for US colleges

The “Why us?” essay is perhaps the most common supplement you’ll come across on your application journey.

The menstrual cycle: Explained

How does the menstrual cycle work? Does the menstrual cycle impact how you feel? Does everyone have the same experience of menstruation? The menstrual cycle broken down.

Md Moynul Islam’s story calls for a profound shift toward inclusion

Visually impaired Bangladeshi student Moynul defied odds, excelling in education despite systemic barriers, showcasing the need for accessible tech and support.

Love poem for the reflection in the mirror

I will not even begin with the skies

Reader Submission / States

"That’s why I have jars of jealousy, anger, sadness, monotony, but this – it’s important."

Managing traffic through student involvement

Since the early days of November, approximately 300 students have been working in morning and evening shifts to help alleviate the city's growing traffic jam issues.

ISD celebrates 25 years of success with a new strategy in place

ISD is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On this occasion, Rising Stars sat down with Steve Calland-Scoble, the Director of ISD and an accomplished educator, to talk about the school and its plans going forward.

The marvellous lives of child actors

The young people who, with aspirations simmering in their hearts, strive to one day be stars in their own right.

Education

Education

GIS is on a mission to become the nation’s leading Cambridge curriculum school

Ramesh Mudgal, the Principal of Glenrich International School (GIS), is a highly accomplished education administrator who has played a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of schools in both the UAE and Bangladesh. Rising Stars sat down for a quick interview with Ramesh where he talked about his experience, GIS, and Bangladesh's academic sector in general. 

How to get your HSC results

How to get your HSC 2024 results online and through SMS.

Farewell, Ms Lubna Choudhury

A collective loss is felt all over the entire education community with Ms Choudhury's passing on October 7, 2024.

Looking after your mental health during gap year

For students opting for such a break before enrolling in university, taking care of their mental health becomes vital.

Studying in public spaces: Should you give it a go?

For students, third places can become crucial study environments that break the monotony of studying in a room.

On surviving the transition from school to university

While this is an exciting time in their lives, it leaves many struggling to cope with the sudden changes

The dos and don’ts of asking for a letter of recommendation

Collecting recommendation letters can seem daunting but it is not something to fear if you keep these pointers in mind.

Pop culture

Pop culture

Chicken Nugget: A lesson in how not to take things seriously

At a time when every piece of content we consume seems to be emotionally charged, it felt very relaxing to watch something so unapologetically nonsensical and weird.

Music / EXO Baekhyun's Hello, World is one of his best releases to date

The main vocalist of EXO, renowned for his belts and runs, has made it clear yet again that he's truly an artist to be celebrated.

Voice actress of Misty and Jessie from Pokémon dies at 46

Rachael Lillis, who provided the voices for the characters of Misty and Jessie from the original English dub of the Pokémon series, has died at 46. Lillis passed away on August 10. She was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in May.

Anime / Kaiju no. 8: The breath of fresh air shounen anime needed

Kaiju No. 8 is anything but conventional, as it subverts any and all expectations right from the get-go.

Three Bangladeshi comics worth your attention

Bangladeshi comics for you to check out.

What makes modern-day Bangladeshi comics so interesting

All in all, it’s a great time to be a Bangladeshi comic fan, especially if you’re into local comics.

Explained

Explained

Gen-Z lingo: Explained

As you begin to lose yourself in the stream of internet lobotomisation, you will realise that you can’t send a single text anymore without at least three accompanying emojis that make no sense contextually, and you’ll wonder what you've become.

Horoscopes: Explained

A long history and cultural heritage give astrology a sense of legitimacy and tradition that can make it seem real to many people.

Panda diplomacy explained

How some of the laziest animals in the world became so important in international relations.

El Niño and La Niña

In light of this particularly hot summer, let's take some time to understand an important weather system that affects global temperatures, food security, and economies

How the Islamic calendar works

Why is Ramadan sometimes 29 days long and sometimes 30 days long?

The significance of Bangladesh's Independence Day and Victory Day

The significance of each day in the birth of our nation.

Explained: Bangladesh’s Economy

One of the critical aspects of understanding how an economy works is understanding how money flows.

Fiction

Fiction

Serendipity

Wake me up every morning as dawn becomes a new day.

The Box

She frantically whisper-screamed at him, “Stop yelling! And this is serious Fayaz, we need to find that box.

15 long years and a Bangladesh that stays united

After 15 long years, long years of no freedom, long years of being buried,

My love is lost, and I don’t want it anymore

Every time I enter it, this building carves out a tiny piece of my heart, leaving behind the sharp tang of hospital bleach and lemon-scented air freshener in its place.

Reader Submission / The final message

Ameera was the apple of her grandfather’s eyes. Due to having working parents, she lived with her grandparents most of the time.

I heard they are changing the dictionary

I heard they are changing the dictionary.

Interests

Interests

How to get yourself to read (and finish) a book

For most people, the size of a book is what might repel them from picking it up in the first place.

What it takes to become a comic artist in Bangladesh

Comic books have inspired a new generation of Bangladeshi artists, driven by passion and opportunities in the growing industry.

Launching a club at your school

With a bit of planning and initiative, it is possible to start a club in your school.

Scholastica Inter School Debate Tournament: VH 1 and NDS 1 crowned champions

Scholastica Debate Club returned with their flagship event “Scholastica Inter School Debate Tournament (SIDT)” on February 2. SIDT is a long-running annual event of the Scholastica Debate Club and has made a name for itself in the Bangladeshi debate circuit.

Dandelionz and The Daily Star host the ‘Creating Patriots’ event for kids

On December 23rd, the premises of Dandelionz in Dhanmondi was filled with excitement as young minds gathered for the "Creating Patriots" event, organised in association with The Daily Star. As part of the celebration of Victory Day, this daylong program aimed to empower children aged 8-12 to become the changemakers Bangladesh needs.

If you don’t like reading, then comic books are for you

Very few avenues of storytelling have the same level of diversity and versatility as comics, and if you are someone who has an aversion towards reading general books, comics might turn that dislike into a regular reading habit. 

Getting into the habit of reading

The habit of reading seems to have gone out of fashion. Why is that? Many young people shy away from books for many reasons, seemingly finding them too similar to strict textbooks they are taught in schools. However, for those who want to try reading as a hobby but struggle to get into it, there are a few ways to get back on track.         

Stars on the rise

Stars on the rise

A trip to the Midwest

From June 9 to June 22, I had the privilege to be a participant of a creative writing and cultural exchange programme called “Between the Lines (BTL): Peace and the Writing Experience” at the University of Iowa.

Sunnydale School runner-up at international youth handball tournament

Sunnydale School’s under-10 (U-10) boys handball team became the runner-up at the 2024 Partille Cup, the world's largest International youth handball tournament. 

Bangladesh wins bronze at European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad

212 students from 55 countries competed in the global olympiad this year.

Keeping a family tradition alive through knitting

How Rudaba turned her passion into a business

Mahir Sarowar Megh: The 17-year-old designer of Durdanto Dhaka’s jersey

Rising Stars speaks with the creative mind behind the jersey – Mahir Sarowar Megh.

From Bangladesh to Panama: Bangladeshi robotics team clinches fifth position at World Robot Olympiad 2023

In conversation with Israfil Shaheen Arannya, silver medallist at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO).