The Connections Bernards-Ridge Edition Jun/Jul/Aug 2026

PAGE 29 KIDZ CONNECTION theconnectionsnj.com ly invested. Watching it has made me think more about how I treat my own friendships and the importance of having people who have your back, no matter how challenging life gets. More recently, I have become fascinated by Wednesday. There is something remarkable about Wednesday Addams that makes the show so compelling. She is clever, imaginative, and unapologetically herself, even when others fail to understand her. Watching her navigate a world that often misunderstands her reminds me that it is okay to be different and to embrace what makes me unique. The show is entertaining, darkly humorous, and occasionally mysterious, but it also inspires confidence and self-expression. Wednesday’s ability to trust her instincts and tackle challenges creatively has made me think more about approaching my own problems with ingenuity and determination. What connects these three shows is how they explore growth, identity, and resilience in distinct ways. They have made me reflect on my own life, teaching me about ambition, loyalty, and embracing individuality. Watching characters evolve and persevere gives me both comfort and inspiration as I navigate school, friendships, and the many uncertainties of growing up. At the end of the day, these shows are more than just stories. They are companions, mentors, and reminders that adolescence can be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes challenging, but it is also exciting, illuminating, and full of moments worth noticing. Each episode feels like more than entertainment; it feels like a small lesson in piloting my own journey, but still super fun. I totally recommend them! Anishka is in 7th grade at Warren Middle School. She has a strong interest in the performing arts, particularly singing and dancing. In addition, she enjoys playing sports and staying physically active. Volleyball, basketball, and dance are her all time favorites. Reading and writing are among her favorite pastimes, and she excels in both. She led her team to victory twice in the school-wide Battle of the Books competition becoming the youngest team ever to secure gold. veryone has comfort shows, the ones they turn to when they are stressed, bored, or just need a break from reality. For me, my favorite shows are more than just entertainment. They have subtly shaped how I think about friendship, ambition, and self-confidence. Yet sometimes they feel like small guides for navigating the unpredictability of adolescence. I have always been drawn to Gilmore Girls. On the surface, it is a story about a mother and daughter living in a small town. What makes it so captivating is the humor, the fast-paced dialogue, and the realistic way the characters handle life. Watching Rory balance school, friendships, and her goals feels incredibly relatable. The show reminds me that it is okay to be ambitious while still valuing the people who support you. It never feels preachy, yet it conveys the importance of curiosity, persistence, and connection. Every time I rewatch it, I notice a new detail or a clever line that makes me reflect on my own experiences. It is a show that makes me laugh, think, and sometimes even reconsider the choices I make in my own life. Stranger Things is very different, but it resonates just as deeply. Its suspenseful storylines, supernatural twists, and nostalgic 1980s aesthetic make it endlessly engaging. Yet at its core, the show is about friendship. The kids face impossible challenges and always support one another, showing courage, loyalty, and resilience. Even though the situations are exaggerated, the lessons about teamwork, trust, and standing by the people you care about feel authentic. The show mixes tension, humor, and heartfelt moments in a way that keeps me completeTEEN VOICE Lessons From the Screen By Anishka Suhas E

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