Eli's Priorities

Eli is 12 and loves video games. He plays every day—sometimes for hours. It started out as fun, but lately, he’s been skipping homework, ignoring messages from friends, and staying up way too late. His parents are worried. His grades are slipping. Even Eli knows he feels tired and irritable all the time—but when he tries to take a break, he just ends up back at the screen. It’s the one place where he feels in control. Where he’s good at something. But at what cost? 

From Gaming to Learning

Jordan is 13 and loves playing strategy and simulation games. Games like Civilization and Assassin’s Creed have sparked his interest in history more than any textbook ever has. He even started researching real events and cultures after playing. But when Jordan tells his teacher he learned something from a game, she frowns. "Games aren’t real education,” she says. “You need to focus on more reliable sources.” Jordan’s confused. He knows games aren’t always 100% accurate—but they made him care about learning in a way school never did. He starts to wonder: Is it wrong to trust what he learns from a game? Should he stop relying on them, even if they inspire him? 

Alyssa's Online Friend

Alyssa, 14, has been talking to an online friend named Kai for months. They met in an art community, share the same interests, and even video chat sometimes. With all they have in common, Alyssa feels closer to Kai than anyone at school. One day, Kai messages:“I’m visiting your city next weekend—want to meet at the mall? My mom can be there too.” Alyssa is excited… but nervous. She trusts Kai, but she’s also heard warnings about meeting online friends in real life. Telling her parents might mean they say no—or worse, make her stop talking to Kai altogether. She could go and not say anything. It might be fine. But what if it’s not? 

Tyler's Balancing Act

Tyler is a 15-year-old sophomore who’s always kept a good balance—decent grades, time with friends, and casual football at the park. When his gym teacher suggests trying out for the school team, he’s excited. He’s dreamed of playing on a real team, wearing the jersey, hearing the crowd cheer. But then he learns the commitment: daily practices, weekend games, early morning workouts. It sounds amazing—but exhausting. Tyler already struggles to keep up with schoolwork. His grades could drop, and his parents might not be happy. Plus, his free time with friends would shrink fast. The tryout form is due tomorrow. He wants to play—but at what cost?

The Cost of the Game

Fourteen-year-old Emmett Jackson has always admired his father, the longtime coach of Riverview’s football team, and finally feels ready to try out himself. But after reading online discussions about football and brain injuries, he begins to question whether playing is worth the risk. While some argue that football is dangerous and not worth the long-term health consequences, others acknowledge the risks but still love and defend the sport. Now Emmett faces a difficult decision: should he follow in his father’s footsteps and join the team, or walk away from a sport that could carry serious consequences?

Maya's Many-Meter Mystery

Maya is a 16-year-old junior and a standout track athlete. She loves running the 400-meter sprint—it’s where she feels most alive. But her coach insists she focus on the 800-meter instead, where she’s also strong and could help the team win more meets. Her college advisor, meanwhile, has a different angle: “You should concentrate on academics if you want a shot at Ivy League schools. Sports are great, but you need to take AP Chem next semester, not double up on training blocks.” Maya feels pulled in three directions. She wants to sprint. Her coach wants her to train for distance. Her advisor wants her in the classroom. Everyone means well, but they each have their own definition of what’s “best” for her future. The sign-up form for next season’s events and courses is due tomorrow. Maya’s holding the pen—and the pressure.

Jayden's Passing Puzzle

Jayden is a 17-year-old senior and the star of his high school basketball team. Tonight’s game is huge—not just because it’s against a rival school, but because two college scouts are in the stands. For Jayden, this could be the game that lands him a scholarship. As the game goes on, Jayden starts taking more shots than usual. His teammate Malik is open several times, but Jayden keeps the ball, hoping to impress the scouts with big plays. Malik notices. So does the coach, who warns during a timeout, “Don’t forget—we win as a team.” With the score tied and seconds left on the clock, Jayden has the ball again. Malik is wide open under the hoop. Jayden can take the tough shot himself—or pass and trust his teammate.