This post was written by Winkie Ma, a mentee in our Writing & Mentoring Program.
Community is described as a fellowship that gives us a comfortable, homey feeling. To some, it is a group of loving people who help them overcome any difficulties. To others, it may also be a place that assists with the growth and maturation of that individual. Both of these definitions are valid. It was this theme of togetherness that recurred multiple times during the Girls Write Now Writing & Mentoring orientation on September 27th, 2014.
We were introduced with this idea in the opening lines of the Saturday session. All attendees were asked to reminisce upon a time in which we felt at home, along with the roles we played in that memory. Though our responses regarding the exact setting all differed, we all undeniably felt the same sentiment at the thought of our own communities.
Arguably the most exciting experience was the matching of mentors and mentees. Most members, including myself, were new to the program, making this orientation an excitingly gripping one. Nonetheless, it is safe to conclude that all pairs were compatible, even after such a short, initial meeting. Backgrounds, jokes, and stories were shared between the duos, and a clear friendship was bound to ensue from everyone.
Though the matching of mentors and mentees was a significant event, the Girls Write Now workshop kept the theme of community running. In little circles, neighboring pairs answered personal questions regarding a range of topics, such as role models or distant childhood memories. Each group was then to create and present a small skit, speech, game, et cetera that represented the group as a whole. This activity demonstrated the importance of achieving a goal by working together. One group performed a refreshing, comedic song, while another crafted an artistic picture of shared attributes as well as unique traits. The circles undoubtedly understood the moral of teamwork, judging by all the spectacular results.
The Girls Write Now workshop was indeed entertaining to everybody, but more importantly, it served as an inspirational start to the year. We were given the feeling of togetherness throughout the orientation. We have important roles in this society of enthusiastic, female writers. The repeated theme serves as a reminder that as members of the 2014 Girls Write Now program, we are now a part of a whole new community.