On the Cover
By Lakshna, age 17, United Arab Emirates
My name is Lakshna. I come from a pretty liberal Indian family of 4 - my parents, elder sister, and myself. My father is currently employed in the UAE, where we recently moved to from Oman. There I went to school and became friends with Dhvani, who introduced me to Sweet Designs Magazine.I enjoy writing purely for the freedom it gives me to say whatever I want, however I want. It brings me in touch with a deeper part of me and helps me to think things over. It's like a calming sedative. I like writing for Sweet Designs Magazine because it gives me a platform to showcase my work as something that has meaning and is read by people from around the world.
I have legion interests, ranging from reading to horse riding, from football (just playing) to collecting keychains. I also make it a point to read the main page of Wikipedia every day. ;) I don't have any particular hobby which has lasted over a period of time, but I am an ardent reader.
I am part of the Environment and Debate clubs in my school. I also am an athlete, having participated in the races and high jump events during the Sports Meet of my school.
I've read a lot of books; my favourite authors include JRR Tolkien, Matthew Reilly, Jeffery Archer, Agatha Christie and P.G. Wodehouse. I listen to a wide variety of music, with the exception of heavy metal. I'm not really a TV viewer, although I love watching movies. My favourites include the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Monsters Inc., the Aladdin trilogy, The Departed, The Lovely Bones, the Transporter series, and Sleepy Hollow.
I don't have too many favourite subjects, with the exception of Psychology, English, Economics, and to some extent, Math.
I want to be a journalist, although I'm not sure in what field I want to specialise. I wouldn't want to remain a journalist for the rest of my life, but I don't know what else I will do. I plan on writing a book, and I have made many incomplete starts.
I believe in having fun and doing whatever you like and feel like doing, so long as it doesn't hurt someone. It's okay to make mistakes. Sometimes mistakes are fun, and no one ever got anything out of being scared or holding back. Experience is what matters, and you gain an experience if you go out and include yourself in whatever catches your fancy. It's okay to make your own views heard, but not to the extent of turning a blind eye or deaf ear to what another person has to say. People are important. You just have to decide who's more important.