In June of my sophomore year, I participated in my school’s talent show, doing modern dance and flow arts. Both were challenging: Modern required flexibility and movements my awkward limbs were unaccustomed to, and flow required dexterity of my wrists to simultaneously twirl strings, staffs, glowsticks, and fans in contrasting patterns.
Video & Visual Arts
Tawhito Scene
This is a scene from my novel, where the prophet Tawhito is giving advice to Anna and Ela. I think it’s a really important scene in my book because it’s a big turning point where Anna and Ela decide to kill the Queen, which sets off an important chain of events.
The Ones Who Taught Me to Dream
My mom and dad are my best support system. They have made a lot of sacrifices so that my sisters and I can have a better future. I love them so much, and I am forever grateful to them. To give them a tribute, I made this piece.
Code for Blueberry Toaster Waffles
Code for Blueberry Toaster Waffles is a short illustrated spoken-word poem that speaks to themes of creativity, friendship, and isolation. It is accompanied by drawings based on the themes presented within the text.
Fragments: The Need for Attention
My stop-motion poem is inviting, and it gives good advice on how to live your life: try to be more open and express how you feel to others, so that you are not bottling up your problems and keeping them to yourself. The found poem was inspired by words that stood out to me in a few used books, and as I highlighted many words, it became easier to pinpoint the topic of the poem.
Still She Rises
Being a woman and Black poet myself who is proud of my heritage and background, I felt inclined to dedicate a piece to that part of me. I incorporated four published and groundbreaking poets in my piece to spotlight a few writers that inspired me to pursue poetry.
bloom in
“bloom in” is a very serious piece, which is different from how I usually write and act. But it represents me. I took the piece and thought about all the videos and photos I had of myself, my family and my friends, and it was like two sides of me. The me that is figuring out who I am and questioning it all, and the me that shows my face every day.
My High School Experience: in the context of Girls Write Now
Why do college admissions view a holistic picture of a candidate’s eligibility? Why is “contextualization” a key part of the College Board’s grading in AP History tests? Why do people say “you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover?” As writers or friends of writing, we value narrative. But more important than narrative is understanding it in the context of every other thread of narrative occurring simultaneously. As the one program that followed me through all four years of high school, Girls Write Now has the unique ability to measure my growth in the context of the rest of my high school life. My digital media piece is inspired by this.
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.
Behind the Scenes of Nightmares
I was inspired when I had sleep paralysis for the first time, and I want other people to feel it as well, how nightmares love to play around. This represents my best work in the program this year. Women are not afraid of fear.
The Sun I Love
We all feel the need to capture the beauty of nature and preserve it somehow. And videos show the beauty in a moment where it shines best. This video is not one, but many pieces of nature and peace coming together to represent one moment in time.
A Text
A Text By Isabel Golightly My project is a poem that comments on the current administration in a complex and…
How Is A Diamond Made?
Diamonds are shiny and pretty but they weren’t “born” like that.
Love Through My Eyes
Feeling bummed out because all of your friends have a Valentine? Still waiting for your Peter Kavinsky or John Ambrose? Then you’re not alone—check out my video to see how I coped with being single and why it might not be the end of the world for either of us.
anxiety
At one time or another, we’ve all experienced loneliness and/or anxiety. Now more than ever, teenagers are constantly being mentally attacked and feel like there is no way out. I want to show that although times get rough and people leave, you will always be permanent in your own life and battles against anxiety, loneliness, and any other mental disease. The only way out is through. Fight for your happiness because you deserve it.