In high school, relaxation is a crime. Guilt regarding an upcoming homework assignment or exam often overshadows true happiness. Yet, as the anonymous narrator soon discovers, a dystopian ‘Happiness Mandate’ is not the answer either.
Story
Alina Povelikin
Mentee
Alina is a New Yorker trying to find the perfect balance between schoolwork and creativity. She joined the GWN community in 2021 and has since explored several new passions. She is a successful Extemporaneous Speaker, has an interest in journalistic writing, and longs to inspire others where inspiration is due. In her free time, you may find her writing, painting, dancing, playing piano, or spending time with loved ones. Above all, she adores animals and expression through language, given that she is multilingual (speaking Russian, English, French, and Spanish). 3 publications or recognitions: 2022 GWN Anthology piece 2023 GWN Anthology piece Multimedia Piece: “I notice”
Favorite Genres/Mediums
Artist‘s Statement
This past year with Girls Write Now was challenging, but fulfilling. Working with a mentee new to the program, I was able to guide our pair sessions with my prior GWN experience. I enjoyed revisiting writing pieces and creating new ones in genres I had never explored before, like Romance mixed with Murder Mystery. I am excited to keep developing pieces this coming year!
Story
The Scientist and the Fawn
The Covid-19 Pandemic left many individuals isolated and unemployed. Still, I would have never considered a career path as a Mad Scientist…
Story
I Notice.
The city is full of sights and sounds, so maybe it is time we look around. On a journey in hopes to make others notice, I present to you my little green notebook.
Story
An Ode to Sandy: Three Things I Love
This poem was written from the perspective of Sandy. The word “sandy” itself may spark memories of your own, but I will leave it to you, reader, to figure out who Sandy truly is.