Friends
by Obenewa Adu
My multimedia piece, “Friends,” is my way to give back and showcase the amazing values that all of my friends and family have. My supportive friends and family inspired my work throughout the Girls Write Now program year. I believe my piece represents my best work this year, because without my family and friends, the Girls Write Now experience would not have been the same.
Process
When given the opportunity, I knew that I wanted to create a piece that showcased my life for my multimedia project. Poetry has always been my favorite type of writing to read, although I have never before been as confident writing poetry as I am now. Using the storytelling techniques and video editing ideas I learned at Girls Write Now, I was able to create a short video using iMovie and the KineMaster video editing app. After completing my project, I felt satisfied and proud.
Meet the Pair
Mentee Obenewa Adu & Mentor Tracy Miller
Obenewa’s Anecdote: My mentor Tracy is a role model to me. In many ways we share similar views and have similar interests, such as medicine and writing. Our weekly meetings at Starbucks are often the highlight of my week because Tracy opens my eyes to new styles of writing and new perspectives on life. In the past year with Girls Write Now, I have accomplished so much and I thank Tracy for helping me throughout the process. Tracy has definitely helped me take my place in history.
Tracy’s Anecdote: Obenewa and I have had the most fun in our weekly meetings this year just talking—about books we’re reading, TV shows we’re watching, our families, and where we grew up. This year she has explored identity, family, and culture through her writing, and that’s helped me to get to know her better as a person. I’m glad I can be there for her as a mentor, and she’s there for me, too, whether it’s giving me a tour of TikTok or loaning me Michelle Obama’s memoir.
Obenewa Adu
Obenewa Adu is a 17-year-old senior in high school in Stamford, Connecticut. This is her second year as a Girls Write Now mentee. Obenewa is originally from New Haven, but has moved around, attending schools in Queens, Hamden, and Stamford. Obenewa’s favorite types of writing include poetry, journalism, and memoirs. She is passionate about writing and volunteer work. In the fall, Obenewa will continue her higher education at a four-year college with the hopes of one day inspiring change by breaking mental health stigmas around the world.
