I was inspired to write this piece in December 2020 when I was absorbing the Christmas spirit in a shut-down New York City.
New York, We Love You: A Story Collection
Girls Write Now was founded in New York City back in 1998 and these poems, podcasts, vignettes, and videos serve as odes to the boroughs and bodega BECs that raised us.
Aboard our story-powered subway train, you’ll make your way from Manhattan’s bustling Chinatown to the heart of Queens; to a landfill-cum-park in Staten Island; the sunset skies over the Bronx; and the stoops of Brooklyn.
FEATURED ART BY IRENE HAO.
City Girl
This piece talks about my relationships with nature and my parents in order to explore my feelings toward living in New York City.
The Correct Proceedings of Social Etiquette in Greenpoint
Greenpoint is a magical place, tucked away at the very Northern tip of Brooklyn, where it borders Queens and the East River. The transport isn’t always favorable, but Greenpoint’s beauty is apparent as stunning views of Manhattan can be seen all along the waterfront. The neighborhood has transformed over the last decade. Up until the late 2000s, the area was predominantly Polish, but in 2021 hipsters reside there, too. They’re drawn to its food, views, and proximity to Williamsburg. Admirers and newcomers are welcome, but please read this guide created by the locals before you visit. It provides useful tips about how to act, dress, and take part in local activities.
A Home in Greenpoint
Thanksgiving at my aunt’s house in Greenpoint is an entirely memorable experience due to the eccentric details filling every room for an environment reflecting my aunt’s comforts and conflicts.
Da Bronx
Da Bronx is a piece that depicts where I am from. A place near and dear to my heart.
A Passenger’s Library
An exploration of ghostly subway rides during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spring Sunday
I first started out with just a rush of memories of the garden, then I organized those memories into seasons and turned five pages from my collage journal into representations of those seasons and memories.
A Slice of Life
A Slice of Life By Christine Yan, Writing 360 Mentee Growing up in a fairly homogenous community, I found it…
In and Out of the Struggle
I tried to be different this year and not make a piece about me or my family but I failed terribly. This piece shows how I am no different from anyone and how I can make my mark in my community by creating awareness of the issues in NYC.
Thoughts In Train Traffic
When I was told I would have to write an essay about myself as part of my college application I was convinced I couldn’t do it. I had always avoided writing that involved telling my own story, however in the end I was surprised and proud of the outcome.
Times Square as My Backyard
I was born and raised in Manhattan, which has given me such an interesting and unique perspective on life. I have always wanted to document all my life experiences in a way where I can share my stories with everyone, and a podcast seemed like the perfect vehicle! A couple of months ago, Leela, my mentor, went to a Girls Write Now workshop and told me all about Anchor. Anchor became a place to record and publish all my interesting conversations with my friends! As I was recording my trailer for my podcast, I was surprised by the number of times I had to re-record it! As a perfectionist, I felt the need to restart every time I stumbled over a word. Eventually, I managed to record something I was proud of, trimmed the audio, and added music.
My Home
When you think about living in the Bronx you may conjure up a vision of a nasty place. For me, it’s just the opposite; it’s a place of peace and comfort. I really hope my photographs and video get this message across.
Fresh Kills Transformation
What was once the largest landfill in the world before closing in 2001 happens to be within my hometown and community of Staten Island. Since then, the landscape has been engineered to become the largest park in New York City. This landfill has greatly affected the health of those in my community. By conducting research to better understand the effects of the landfill on the climate and public health, I realized how my interests can merge and benefit public knowledge of this space. To have my voice heard beyond what can be accomplished in a social media post, I decided to write a script and assemble audio to create a podcast. Through this podcast, others can learn about benefits and concerns relating to the parks department-led engineering project.
City Symphony
Sounds—we hear them all the time in the city, but we don’t necessarily register how much of an important role they play in our understanding of our surroundings. This piece is about sounds you hear in New York City, how those sounds translate into snapshots of other people’s lives, and how they affect your own.