a reflective poem about visibility, exigence, and superficial perfection.
Story
Sanya Afsar
(she/her) Mentee
Sanya Afsar is a Pakistani high school junior in NYC. She grew up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, until the age of seven and now lives in the culturally rich Woodside neighborhood of Queens, NY. She is a multidisciplinary artist interested in fashion, photography and baking. Her literary taste skews toward dystopian fiction, romance and poetry novels. Sanya uses her time with Girls Write Now to explore different genres, narrowing her focus on college and career plans, to find her voice as a writer. She is particularly passionate about poetry, journaling and memoir.
Favorite Genres/Mediums
Favorite Authors & Artists
Caroline Kaufman, Rupi Kaur, Sara Kays
Artist‘s Statement
Writing has always been a method of catharsis for me, both as an escape from reality as well as a chance to process my emotions. It’s like I’m creating a home to take refuge in, and by sharing my work I’m inviting others dealing with similar struggles to join me in my safe haven. One of the worst parts of mental illness is the loneliness that comes with it, and I want people to see themselves in my writing and understand that they’re not going through it alone.
Story
all at once
a poem of aching candor narrating the varied, implicit forms of heartbreak.
Story
Adolescent Forms
A depiction of my journey in asking for help, this essay is my reminder that I deserve peace and welfare in a battle against the uncertainties and anxieties of my mind.