On Being Sixteen
By Marta Davila-Lomas
This podcast will give you an insider’s perspective on the lives of current 16-year-olds! Doesn’t everyone want to know what we are doing besides being on our phones all the time? The podcast will feature the stories of my friends and family who are either sixteen now and have something interesting and worthwhile to share or were sixteen and deserve to tell their story. I believe it represents my best work because it is very interesting and important to me as a teenage girl in this day and age.
Process
I came up with the idea to create this podcast one Saturday at a Girls Write Now workshop. I wanted to share my mentor’s story because she was able to move to the U.S. on her own as a 16-year-old from Venezuela. I used Anchor, the app which was introduced to me at Girls Write Now. I learned how to create and structure a podcast, which I am now working on! I felt surprised by how easy it is to make a podcast, and I am so proud to be able to share my podcast with the world.
Meet the Pair
MENTEE MARTA DAVILA-LOMAS & MENTOR VALENTINA ESPAÑA
Marta’s Anecdote: Since the first time I met Valentina, we instantly clicked. I remember when I asked her if she liked to watch any TV shows, because unfortunately watching TV is a big part of my life. She told me she loves novelas, especially Jane the Virgin, which is my favorite show! After that, I looked forward to seeing her and talking with her because she is so kind and inspiring and we always have a great time together. Honestly, Valentina is such an amazing person. I mean, she moved here when she was only sixteen years old and I don’t think I could do that. I always feel so happy when I get to spend time with her, and I’ve tried so many new cafés and restaurants and gone to the Poets House since we’ve met. I’ve learned a lot from Valentina so far, and I can’t wait for what’s to come.
Valentina’s Anecdote: Every week, Marta and I are taking over the New York City streets drinking horchata lattes, matcha lemonades, catching a movie (hello, Little Women!) and having the best time. She’s outgoing, mega-smart, passionate about her endless list of hobbies—dance, art, writing, fashion, music, travel, and, yes, watching lots of shows—and her attitude is contagious. Marta always goes for what’s fun and challenging. For one prompt we decided to channel the energy of accessories into a character. She brought me a tiara and a pair of cat-eye sunglasses that made me feel like a rock star. That’s Marta for you.
Marta Davila-Lomas
Marta Davila-Lomas is a class of 2020 mentee based in Manhattan, NY.
