Brian Alessandrini is a senior in high school. He enjoys reading and writing, which is one reason why he's looking forward to college which he sees as an opportunity to celebrate and respect something many take for granted: education. Brian is grateful for his ex-girlfriend in his story. Even though the experience was difficult, "it taught me so much. If it hadn't been for this, I wouldn't have the strength I have today."
Amy Annino shot her photo as a "roving reporter" for her high school newspaper using her old Pentax ME with a flash. While in high school she won an award for her photography and she played in both the concert and jazz bands. Having graduated from college with a degree in biology and chemistry, Amy is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in plant physiology. She still enjoys photography, especially during vacations, and is trying to turn some of her photographs into postcards.
Talin Aprahamian wrote her amusing poem about high school as a senior. She is now finishing college and studying accounting. She works as a resident advisor, campus lifeguard and is an active member of the Armenian Youth Federation. In her free time she enjoys playing the piano (which she's done since she was four) and swimming with her friends. Talin is happy to say that life has been less crazy in college and she is glad her mom was always there encouraging her.
Katherine has been writing since the fourth grade as "a way to forget my ego and discover the world." Her favorite writers include Amy Tan, Raymond Carver, Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro and Toni Morrison. Now a high school freshman, she loves to sing, act, dance and draw. She also enjoys taking long walks by herself and spending time with her family and golden retriever, Duchess. Katie dedicates her short story to her friend Sarah, who "always makes roller coasters less scary," and to Mr. Littell and Kelly, "two one-in-a-million teachers who helped me grow in so many ways."
Lisa V. Atkins is a freshman in college interested in studying psychology. Right now she is being "a typical college kid - trying to figure everything out." She loves to read and listen to all kinds of music. She also enjoys writing, singing and dancing, and has studied tap, jazz and ballet for many years. Lisa has lived in Washington, Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Germany (where she and her family return to visit each summer). She thanks S.A. for inspiring her poem which she wrote as a high school sophomore.
Melissa-Jeanne Aucoin graduated from college with a degree in creative writing and French, and is currently pursuing a career in publishing. She enjoys writing, reading and shooting photos. One of her most memorable experiences was the semester she spent in France and visited Italy, Holland, Germany, Spain and Belgium. She writes, "Those moments with new friends in Europe helped me discover a lot about myself, and traveling alone at times was definitely an educational experience - about myself and other cultures." Melissa took her photo as a high school senior. She thanks her photography teacher, Mr. Berube, for "his patience with me and for his encouragement to pursue my dreams."
Patrick Michael Baird took his photo(s) while a senior in high school. Now a college freshman studying photography and psychology, most of his time and energy go into his school projects and photography. In his spare free time he likes to visit galleries, museums and enjoy city nightlife. Patrick took his photo(s) using a Canon Rebel G. He thanks his former photography teacher, Ms. Demetrious, for being a huge inspiration, as well as all his friends and especially his family for their support, guidance and love.
Mark Baker is currently in the eighth grade. He has played ice hockey for the last eight years and is an active participant in Odyssey of the Mind at his middle school. He has a paper route and enjoys playing the piano, reading and writing fiction. He also likes hanging out, playing football with his friends and spending summers at the beach. Mark's reminiscent piece was originally published in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Dan Baldwin took his photo as a senior in high school. After graduating he was appointed as a call firefighter for his hometown and also became an emergency medical technician for the state. Now a college student studying fire science, he plans to pursue a career as a full-time firefighter and paramedic. He currently works as the manager of a successful independent supermarket and in his free time he enjoys boating and snowboarding.
Jillian Balser has come a long way since she wrote about her family during her junior year in high school. She is now a college sophomore studying fine arts, communications and theater, and she writes, "I am proud of the person I have become and the opportunities and obstacles that await me ... I am fascinated by and fully intend to experience everything the world has to offer." Jillian thanks "Mum and Dad for giving me my life story, to Teen Ink for helping me share it and to the kids of the world for listening."
Natascha Batchelor graduated from college with a degree in urban forestry and currently works as a tree expert. She enjoys working outside and helping people to understand the plant life around them. She believes that like many things, there is more to trees and plants than meets the eye. Natascha's piece about her mother was originally published in Teen Ink magazine when she was a senior in high school.
Jen Beachley wrote her piece about a very special teacher as a senior in high school. Now a junior in college studying business and computer science, she is active in student government and her school's horsewomen's association. She still enjoys writing and is working on a young-adult horse racing series. After college Jen plans to pursue her MBA, and then she hopes to write and work in marketing in the horse-racing industry. She also dreams of owning a farm to raise and sell thoroughbred racehorses.
Brandy Belanger is a freshman in college. She enjoys photography and reading. (Her favorite novel of all time is Gone with the Wind.) In her free time she enjoys going out for dinner, playing pool with her brother, Derek, and watching movies on the big screen. Brandy wrote her personal piece during her sophomore year in high school. Writing served as an outlet for her at that time and she's happy to say that she's now enjoying college and doing much better. She credits her mom with helping her through though those difficult times.
Teresa Bendokas took her photo during her junior year in high school. She and her two close friends, Jason and Nathaniel, were walking on the beach and climbing rocks when she started to take pictures for fun. After high school, Teresa studied photography for two years. She is currently a college sophomore majoring in human services, hoping to help children with special needs. She loves the outdoors, and especially enjoys snowboarding and kayaking.
Jamie Bleiweiss graduated from her first-choice college with a degree in biology and psychology, and works with children who have developmental disabilities at a pre-school program. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology. In her free time she works out and spends time with friends. Jamie wrote about applying to college as a senior in high school. She dedicates it to her family who have always been so supportive.
Megan Blocker wrote her poignant short story during her sophomore year in high school. She is currently a college senior studying religion. She still loves to write, although her interests now lean more toward essays and seminar papers (which come with the territory!). She is president of a school choir and has directed and produced a number of shows. After graduating she plans to spend time living in Europe.
Kristen Bonacorso took her photo as a sophomore in high school. Now in her second year of college, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and "could spend hours looking at photographs." She is a big fan of Ansel Adams and especially appreciates black and white photography and the use of contrasting textures. After eating only grilled cheese and French toast for seven years, Kristen has learned to appreciate food as an art in itself. She also loves the beach and going for drives to enjoy the ocean scenery.
Kate Bosco drew her cartoon as a high school junior around the time she was learning to drive. Now a college freshman studying graphic design, she hopes to work in advertising in the future. She loves to play softball and has been the pitcher for both her high school and college teams. She also enjoys drawing, inline skating and going to the movies. Though she almost received the title of "Worst Driver" during her senior year, Kate is happy to report that her driving has since gotten a lot better. She especially thanks her dad for "getting me into art when I was little and for teaching me how to drive."
Rachel Svea Bottino entered college this year as a sophomore with a major in English. The poignant experience she wrote as a junior in high school had a lasting effect: "I've become more appreciative of what I have and what many people don't have ... [It] opened up my eyes to a serious problem that not only our nation faces, but the whole world." Rachel dedicates her piece to her former English teacher, Ms. Sullivan, "who was so supportive and influential in my life."
Lisa A. Bourgeault took her photo of her sister, Anna, during her senior year in high school. Now a college junior studying apparel marketing, she is active with her sorority and has been studying dance since she was little. She spends summers studying modern and jazz dance and has even danced with Savion Glover and Jeannette Neil (?). Lisa still enjoys photography and collecting anything by Anne Geddes. She also loves going out to eat and spending time in the sun.
Andrew Briggs wrote about his grandmother during his senior year in high school. He has since graduated from college with a degree in psychology and currently works for a large E-services consulting firm. During college he played in the orchestra for many musicals, participated in Habitat for Humanity and was a member of a fraternity. Andy expresses his creative energies through photography and playing the cello, which he has done since he was nine. He still has a passion for creative writing.
Mindy Bruce is a college junior studying communications and public relations (and starting to feel the way she did when she first wrote her piece as a senior in high school!). She is involved with the public relations club and helps with special events for Kids Across America. She also works as a cake decorator at a bakery. For fun she writes and spends time outdoors, hiking and camping. Mindy says her former English teacher, Mrs. Jennings, "showed me I have the ability to write, something I have always wanted to do."
Aubrey Burhart wrote her piece as a high school senior about a move that happened when she was very young. After graduating with a degree in math education, she taught math for a year and now is enjoying her graduate studies for a Ph.D. program in counseling psychology. She has done some writing since high school and recently discovered that she really loves to read. She is even attempting to learn to cook and has resolved not to eat cereal every day! Aubrey dedicates her poignant piece to her dog, Benji, who was such a big part of her life.
Timothy Cahill is a college sophomore majoring in English. This past football season he was an officer of the marching band and was responsible for co-writing scripts for the halftime shows. He is also a member of the film society and mock trial team, and in his free time he enjoys politics and Ping-Pong. Tim wrote his engrossing fiction piece as a freshman in high school. His short story, "One-Fifth of a Second," was featured in the first Teen Ink book.
Eileen Carlos wrote about being tempted as a junior in high school. She has since graduated from college with a degree in psychology, and currently works as an office administrator for a large securities firm. She is active in community service, serving as the United Way coordinator for her office. In her free time she enjoys reading business and self-help/spirituality books and going to the movies. She is proud to say that to this day she has never smoked a cigarette or a joint and has never drunk to excess.
Allison E. Casazza is a freshman in interior design school. She loves many of the creative arts, including art, writing and dance, and has studied ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance for ten years. She also enjoys traveling and hopes to visit more of the United States and Europe. Allison wrote her reflective piece as a high school senior. She thanks Julia and Erica for always encouraging and teaching her, and Ms. Heyd for all her love and support.
Kristi Ceccarossi wrote her humorous short story piece as a junior in high school. She is currently a college junior studying English and journalism, and she serves as the arts editor for her college daily newspaper. In her free time she still loves to read and recently has defaulted to writing poetry, mostly due to a lack of time for writing fiction. Kristi hopes to travel and ultimately would love to get a job in travel writing or photojournalism that would allow her to experience different communities around the world.
Lara Chard still clearly remembers the day she drew her first artistic masterpiece in kindergarten. Ever since then, she has "concentrated on creative expression and grown through every piece I have created, whether it was drawing with a stick in the sand as a child or spending countless hours on a painting." Now a freshman in college studying fine art, Lara has been active in Girl Scouts, varsity cheerleading and playing the drums. She is also an environmental awareness and animal rights advocate. Her photo appeared in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Rachel Cohen took her photo as a freshman in high school, where she was editor of the newspaper, a member of the varsity swim team and a part-time sports correspondent for her local paper. She continued on to become senior associate sports editor in college where she also received a writing award for fiction during her junior year. Having graduated with a degree in public policy and English, Rachel currently works for a daily newspaper covering high school sports.
Paul Constant was published in Teen Ink magazine many times while in high school. Since then he has studied English and sociology, and self-published four comics and three journals. His most memorable experiences include visiting Graceland where he wept at Elvis' grave, meeting both the President of Ireland and Scotty from "Star Trek," and being shoved aside by Hunter S. Thompson while working as the mall Easter bunny. His fiction piece, "Timmy the Toad - A Fictional-But-Not-So-Fictional Parable," was featured in the first Teen Ink book.
Alex Couch enjoys creating art in all media, including computer graphics, sculpture, drawing and painting. His drawing was featured in Teen Ink magazine last year, and one of his sculptures based on a similar design was even exhibited in his hometown. Now in his senior year at a high school for the arts, Alex plans to major in art or graphic design in college this fall. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with his friends and building bikes from spare parts.
Lucy Coulthard wrote her poignant piece about her uncle as a senior in high school. Currently a college junior studying wildlife biology, she plans to pursue a masters and work in biology conservation. Lucy loves the outdoors as well as spending time with her family, boyfriend and friends. Another favorite pastime is reading; her favorite authors include Kurt Vonnegut and Chaim Potok. Lucy credits her high-school English teacher, Mr. Marshall, "for teaching me how to be a good writer, for exposing me to a variety of great literature, and for urging all his students to get their work out there and published."
Emily Crotzer enjoys photography and even though her evocative piece is fiction, she prefers writing poetry. Her favorite poets include Gwendolyn Brooks and her friends who are fellow writers. She also loves to travel and hopes to visit Cuba or Costa Rica this summer. Emily wrote her short story as a senior in high school. Now a college sophomore interested in international relations and psychology, she thanks her mom, dad, Jennifer and Jessica, her former creative writing teacher, Mrs. Bedall, and her college professor, Mark Wood.
Dawn Marie Cullinane believes her most memorable experience will forever remain the Christmas she presented the photo of her brother, Shawn, to her mother and father. Now a freshman in college studying journalism, she became interested in writing through her former teacher, Mrs. Minton, who was killed in a car accident when Dawn was a junior in high school. Dawn writes, "She was my teacher, friend and mentor. I loved her for believing in my writing and always being there for me. I know she's looking over me and smiling for all my dreams that have come true."
Kathryn D'Angelo, a dedicated horseback rider, often competes in horse shows. As a junior in high school, she is involved in the student council and works after school as a legal secretary. The most significant events in Kari's life have been "those of revelation and understanding." These small experiences have contributed to the person she is today and will continue to shape the person she sees in the mirror every day. Her caring poem was first published in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Rob Dangel, a college graduate with a degree in business/MIS, currently works as IT manager for a software company. In his free time he loves to play computer games, travel, scuba dive, take care of his 90-gallon marine reef tank and do home improvements. Rob wrote his hilarious essay while a senior in high school. He now looks back and wishes he could be that age again, when going through puberty was his greatest worry. He writes, "Ferris Bueller (my personal hero) said it best. 'Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it.' That rings true every day of my life."
Kristy R. Davis wrote her pensive piece while a senior in high school. Currently a college junior studying politics, she is president of her class, chair of the College Republicans and a student ambassador. She also works as a legislative aide for her local Board of Supervisors. She loves sports, politics and volunteering for political campaigns. Kristy thanks Mr. Newton "for teaching me the importance of noticing others."
Kelly Dean is a senior in high school. This summer she and her friends are planning a two-week trip to Florida to celebrate their graduation. She hopes to study psychology and secondary education in college this fall. Kelly enjoys reading, writing and swimming. She also likes "hanging out with friends and driving around, watching movies, laughing and kidding around." Her fiction piece about a first kiss was published in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Alissa Deschnow currently attends college and works part-time. In her spare time she enjoys babysitting and volunteering for her church. She says, "My life isn't that exciting, but it's mine," and she thanks Shelly "for making my life as wonderful as it is now." Alissa wrote her essay while a sophomore in high school. Her other insightful piece, "The Tattoo," appeared in the first Teen Ink book.
Robert Dixter wrote his emotion-filled piece as a high school senior. After graduating from college with a degree in English, he realized he wasn't going to change the world single-handedly, so instead took a job at MTV, hoping that through music television programming, he could help create a utopian society! Robert continues to write, sometimes for television, and his hobbies include watching films from the 1980s and playing hockey.
Nicole M. Docteur finally got her driver's license last year (after failing the first time!) and is now happily driving her grandmother's 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass. A college sophomore, she is studying anthropology and is secretary of the anthropology club and a member of an honor society. This past year she organized a community service program to benefit local migrant farmers and rural families, and is looking forward to spending a semester abroad next year. In her free time she enjoys reading and writing. Having written her piece as a high school junior, she gives special thanks to her mom and dad for their support.
Erica Doughty enjoys "singing, reading, writing and sleeping (hee, hee)." She currently works and attends a technical college, and she believes "insignificance is so underrated." While in high school she volunteered on the AIDS Quilt Project and was honored for her creative writing. Erica's hysterical depiction of her prom was originally published in Teen Ink magazine last year when she was a senior.
Jennifer A. Eisenberg is a junior in college studying elementary education and history. She is a member of a sorority and enjoys being Philanthropy chair. Jen wrote about her roots while a senior in high school. She has since discovered her original birth certificate which includes her birthparents' names and birthplace. After graduation, she plans to visit Mexico to investigate further. She dedicates her piece to her parents, grandmother and Pamela Rico, who brought her back to health. She writes, "Without them I would not be here, and I want them to know how very much I love them."
Kerri Erskine wrote about becoming a teen mother as a junior in high school. She is now married to her high-school sweetheart and is the mother of four. When she's not working part-time as a pharmacy technician, she spends every minute with her family. Even though she's older now and has a family of her own, Kerri still strongly believes it's better to wait until adulthood to become a parent. She dedicates her piece to her parents - "If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have been able to go through everything" - her husband, Chris, and her children, Corey, Justin, Ashly and (Faith or Abby).
Crystal Lynn Evans is a college freshman studying music education. Her dream is to teach children the art of putting words to music. In her free time she enjoys being with her friends and family. She is active in her church and community music programs. Crystal wrote her poem as a junior in high school. She thanks her parents "for their love and encouragement and for all the little prayers they've said for me along the way."
Emily Evans took her photo during her junior year in high school where she was a member of both the swim and track teams. She is now a freshman in college studying physical therapy and clinical science. She still swims with the college team and is involved with crew.
Gulielma L. Fager is a college junior focusing on Latin American studies. She is a member of the campus Green Party and a volunteer with mentally disabled adults. In her spare time she enjoys writing and traveling. She is working on starting a monthly feminist magazine and is planning to spend this summer in Costa Rica. Guli wrote her retrospective piece as a senior in high school. She dedicates it to Lea Morgenstern and gives special thanks to her parents.
Colleen Fitzgerald and her friend, Lindsey, were "just joking around at a beach near home" when she took her photograph last year. She is now a college freshman interested in pursuing a career in nursing. She explains, "I love kids and people, and I like to take care of them." A member of the field hockey team in high school, she still enjoys skiing, swimming and taking pictures with Lindsey.
Barry Floyd wrote about his experience as a senior in high school. He is now a college sophomore majoring in film. He works as the cameraman for student events and hopes to become a scriptwriter and director. His favorite directors include Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino and M. Night Shyamalan. Most of his free time is spent watching movies and hanging out with his friends. Barry dedicates his piece to his parents and gives special thanks to his eleventh-grade teacher, Dr. Walsh.
Devin Foxall still believes firmly in nap time (and probably takes too many naps). Now a sophomore in college studying English, he is news and managing editor for the newspaper and a contributor to the literary magazine. He also enjoys boxing and plans to start a monthly news, literary and arts magazine for his college campus and surrounding community. One of his most memorable moments was when he jumped into an icy river to save a small Shetland hound from drowning, performing CPR to save its life. Devin wrote his essay as a senior in high school and feels he was inspired by all his high-school English teachers.
Mike Friedman writes, "Something funny: Two sausages sit side-by-side in a frying pan and they're frying. The first sausage turns to the second and says, 'Boy, it's kinda hot in here, huh?' The second sausage looks at the first one and says, 'Aaah! A talking sausage!' That's my favorite joke." Mike wrote about his memorable experience as a senior in high school. Now a college senior studying psychology and French, he enjoys music, teaching French and working in a lab. He still reads and writes both for class and himself. Mike extends a special thank you to all those who never believed.
Jennifer Fusco is a senior in high school. She likes to make believe that she played the role of "The Wind" in Bette Midler's song, "Wind Beneath My Wings," and won three gold medals for miniature golf in the Olympics. She starred as a rockette at Radio City Music Hall and "tipped" the Leaning Tower of Pisa. She really enjoys creative writing (in case you hadn't figured that out). Jen dedicates her poignant story to her dad, whose real life struggle inspired her to write her piece.
Caycie Galipeau is a college sophomore who enjoys art, photography and gardening. She also loves to sew and has recently taken up cooking. While in high school she was active in the drama club and still returns to her school to help with plays. She proudly admits, "There is a lot of talent there!" One of Caycie's most memorable experiences was the European art tour she took with her art class during her junior year. Visiting Portugal and Spain was "a great experience." Her photos appeared in Teen Ink magazine and the Teen Ink Poetry Journal two years ago.
Megan Galipeau, in addition to photography, enjoys singing, writing and attending musicals. Someday she'd like to travel the world taking pictures and experience other cultures. Megan shot her photograph with a Pentax K-1000 and 400 film for her first Basic Photo class. Now a college freshman studying art education and photography, she thanks her former photo teacher, Becky, for "all the encouragement and special lessons she gave me. To my mom, dad, sister Caycie, Mémère Noëlla and Mémère Teresa, my entire family and all the friends who supported me in my decision to attend art school, I haven't words enough to thank you."
Nicole Galligan took her photo of her close friend, Luke, for a photography assignment as a junior in high school. Using him as a model on their way to class one day, she had no idea how the shadow would come out. Now a student pursuing her associates degree in dental hygiene, she likes to hang out with friends in her free time. Nicole also enjoys snowmobiling, spending time at the beach and taking tons of photos of friends and people, which she displays all over her bedroom.
Kristi Gentile wrote her touching poem during her junior year in high school. Now a college freshman studying elementary education, she is involved with the Irish Club, Habitat for Humanity and other community service groups. She is also a member of the club lacrosse team. Kristi has received many awards for her writing and was featured in two other national publications. Her poem is written in memory of her good friend, Julie Dawson, who committed suicide three years ago.
Mai Goda admits her hair is back to its original color and says, "I have 'settled down' from those rebellious times in high school." Her insightful piece was originally published during her senior year. Now a college junior majoring in philosophy, she works as a teaching assistant for the language department and is the flutist for a Latin band. She is also a mentor, helping first-year students adjust to college both academically and socially.
Olivia L. Godbee is a senior in high school. She enjoys art, photography and tribal belly dancing. She started her own business creating jewelry, and hopes to launch her own photography business someday. Her truthful piece about finding love was first published in Teen Ink magazine two years ago. Olivia thanks Mrs. Reinagle for all her support and encouragement, and Mr. Hitchens for his ability to motivate her. Most of all, "I would like to thank Robert for all his love and the happiness he has brought me."
Bat-Sheva Guez wrote her realistic short story as a junior in high school. Now a college sophomore, she is studying film and mathematics. She is president of the TV club, which airs college-produced shows, and she works in the drama department as a technical trainee. She also works at a local NPR radio show. In her free time Bat-Sheva relaxes by playing the piano and writing; she hopes to write a feature-length screenplay for her senior thesis.
Amber Delphine Hall created her self-portrait in charcoal during art class, using her reflection in a mirror as a guide. A sophomore in high school, she has liked drawing since she was a little girl. She especially prefers drawing human faces in chalk and pastel. In her free time she enjoys being with her family and listening to music - "anything that catches my ear!" Amber dedicates her drawing to her Aunt Mary. She says, "I miss you, though I feel you've been here with me."
Megan Hayes is enjoying her last year in college where she lives with her six best friends in their beach house. She is studying communications and art, and in her free time she works in an art gallery. This summer she plans to travel to Europe for the first time with her mother and grandmother. Megan wrote her lovely portrait of her mother as a senior in high school. She dedicates it "to my mumma, the most important person in my life and the person I look up to the most."
Meghan Heckman wrote about her good friend as a freshman in high school. Now a college senior studying English and journalism, she is the news editor and police beat reporter for her paper and a member of the varsity sailing team. She is also an avid skier and has been an instructor since the age of fourteen. In her free time she enjoys writing, running and being outdoors. After graduating Meg hopes to work as a newspaper reporter and eventually as a ski or travel magazine writer. She thanks her former high-school teachers, Ms. Brown and Ms. Phinney, "for giving me a voice," and Mr. Lesniewski, "who taught me to think on my feet and stand up for what I believe in."
Jodi B. Heller developed her photograph using a page she selected from a magazine, photography paper and an enlarger for a basic photography class earlier this year. The resulting cool effect comes from the images on both sides of the magazine page. A senior in high school, Jodi is a member of the show choir and Girl Scouts. (She's currently working toward her gold award.) In her free time she enjoys sleeping and hanging out with her friends and boyfriend. She is also active in her church and hopes to study religion or theology in college this fall. She thanks her family and Jason Brunson with love.
Meredith J. Hermance is a college senior studying journalism. She works at the campus newspaper and is busy writing her final honors thesis on the television coverage of the Olympic Games. Her second passion is rugby; she has been part of the team for four years. Meredith wrote her poignant depiction of her teacher's death as a senior in high school. She writes, "Thanks to all my teachers, especially Mrs. Berman, who taught me as much about life as she did about writing. Mr. Svensen, I will always remember you. Thank you for teaching me to be strong and making me believe in myself."
Amy Hochsprung wrote about her beloved cat, Sassy, as a junior in high school. After graduating from college with a degree in history and minor in women's studies, she spent a year working with AmeriCorps VISTA running a literacy tutoring program. She is currently pursuing her master's in teaching. For fun, Amy enjoys her two passions: playing the violin and dancing.
Erica J. Hodgkinson was published in Teen Ink magazine many times while in high school. Now a sophomore in college, she enjoys skiing, reading nonfiction and hanging around with her friends. She still enjoys photography of all kinds, though mostly she takes black and white photographs. Erica shot her photo during her senior year in high school using a Canon EOS Rebel camera. She thanks her high-school photography teacher, Mr. Kelly, who served as the model for her photo, and to her mom she says, "Thank you and I love you."
Jennifer Hooks is a senior in high school, where she is captain of the track team and secretary of the national honor society. She is also active in community service and has volunteered for a number organizations. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with her friends and taking pictures. She has pictures of her friends all over her room! Jennifer took her photograph of her friend, Margaret, earlier this year for a class assignment on portraiture and emotion.
Andrea Jalbert loves taking photographs, especially since as she says, "I can't draw very well so it allows me to show my art skills." Now a high school senior, she is captain of the hockey cheerleading squad, a peer mentor and a teacher for a first-grade religion class. She also babysits and works at her family's store. Andrea's photograph appeared in Teen Ink magazine last year. She thanks her photography teacher, Bill Kelly, for encouraging her to work hard and do her best.
James T. Kalil, II is a college senior studying business administration. In his free time he enjoys reading and writing, and he especially loves working on his favorite car, his Cobra Mustang. James wrote about his childhood memory as a senior in high school. Each year as a child he would devise a plan to capture Santa to prove to his friends that Santa really existed. Although he always failed, he wants to thank his parents who made Christmas so special and made him see that all children need a Santa at a certain time in their lives.
Marwan Kazimi took his photograph as a senior in high school. He has since graduated from college and will be graduating from medical school this spring. He plans to begin his surgical residency this fall.
Amanda Kelley took her photo of her sister during her senior year in high school as part of an independent project in portraiture. Her interest in photography has continued and she is now a college senior studying advertising, photography and literature. She has interned with TV Guide helping with photo shoots, and after graduating she hopes to become an advertising art director or photo editor. In her free time Amanda enjoys reading and writing poetry. She thanks her mom, dad and Mr. Meirowitz, "my high-school teacher who got me started in photography."
Melissa Thornton Keys graduated from college with a degree in English and religion, and currently is pursuing her masters to teach English as a second language. She also works as a newsroom clerk supervisor for a local newspaper. Her interests include travel, world cultures and linguistics, and she lives happily with her "wonderful husband, David." Melissa wrote her moving poem as a sophomore in high school.
Ellie Kreischer shot her photograph during her junior year in high school. During high school she was confused about her life and where it was going. Now a college sophomore studying art and environmental studies, Ellie now realizes that all her interests mean something and she can use them to impact her world on campus. She especially enjoys using her love of art to help educate others to the beauty and importance of nature.
Maya J. Krolikiewicz enjoys drawing, painting, making sculptures and taking photographs. She has taken college courses in photography which have inspired her to have "a different and more aware look at the world." Now a senior in high school, she plans to major in art when she attends college this fall.
Michele Kulis was in her junior-year Spanish class when she realized she had forgotten to bring her completed roll of film for a photography assignment that was due the following period. She quickly shot another roll of film using her fellow classmates as models (thanks to her Spanish teacher who was "a great sport"). Michele is now attending college and studying her other love: computer science. In her free time she enjoys going to the movies and taking lots of pictures of her daugher, Sarah.
Richard Kuss is a sophomore in high school, where he is captain of both the JV football and basketball teams. In his free time he enjoys reading and writing, but mostly poetry "because it doesn't really stop and continually flows." Richard's favorite band (and the only one he listens to) is Metallica and he shaves his head so he doesn't have to comb his hair in the morning. He writes, "Thank you, Mrs. Ihlefeld, for allowing me to write freely and smoothly."
Eliza Larson keeps busy as a senior in high school, dividing her time between school, family, her church, music and other activities. As vice president of her church youth group, she helps with fundraisers and other projects. She also loves playing the cello, singing, reading, sewing and painting. Eliza acknowledges her family, especially her dad, for encouraging and supporting her. She also thanks Ms. Lamuth for being the first teacher to believe in her writing skills. Eliza's incredible short story was first published in Teen Ink magazine a year ago.
Karen Lee was "just playing around with the film" when she took her photo as a junior in high school. She remembers she decided to take a whole roll of film and then reshoot the roll again and felt that this was "one of the best." Now a college senior studying health and biology, she hopes to start medical school this fall and someday become a pediatrician. In her free time Karen enjoys tae kwon do, drawing and photography. She still takes pictures like crazy and hopes to have her own darkroom someday. She gives special thanks to her mom for always being there.
Marissa Nicole Lefland is a junior in high school. She is involved with model U.N., the French club, peer tutoring and her temple youth group. For relaxation she enjoys playing the guitar, violin and lacrosse. One of her most memorable experiences was visiting Israel last year and consequently, she is looking forward to participating in the Urban Mitzvah Corps this summer. Marissa's touching memory of her father originally appeared in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Jonathan Levine loves skiing, music, cars and the guitar. He is a member of the ski team as well as the math and English honor societies at his school. A high school senior, Jon wrote his moving poem during his sophomore year. He especially dedicates it to his father who was recently diagnosed with cancer, creating a difficult time for his entire family. He writes to his dad, "You're a trooper, hang in there. We all love you very much."
Kendra Lider-Johnson wrote about her experience as a junior in high school, where she was editor of the literary magazine. She has since graduated from college with a degree in English and works in publishing. She began her first "novel" to get attention in the fourth grade when she was the new kid in class. It worked and she's been writing ever since. Her greatest literary inspirations include The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf.
Gretchen Loye loves taking photographs of "abstract things in different perspective." A high school junior, she enjoys playing the xylophone and drums and playing with her guinea pig, Carmella. She also loves to travel and spending summers at her family's cabin, "four-wheeling in the woods, swimming, fishing and picking berries." She recently visited China and Singapore and she hopes to visit Europe this summer. Gretchen thanks "my photography teacher, Dalen Towne, for all the encouragement she's given me over the last two years, and my brother, Jonathan, for inspiring me."
Selena Lu enjoys reading and writing, "the greatest way to express my feelings and ideas to the world." A junior in high school, she is a member of the computer club, Spanish and Latin clubs, Science Olympia and math honor society. One of the most significant events in her life was coming to America, where she learned "how to speak English and what it is like to be an American." She gives special thanks to her brother, Thomas, who always tells her she can do anything she puts her mind to. Selena's whimsical piece was published in Teen Ink magazine two years ago.
Doug Mahegan is a senior in high school. He enjoys sports and is a member of the varsity football, wrestling and lacrosse teams. He plans to major in physical and health education when he enters college this fall, and is considering a career as a high-school physical education teacher. Doug took his photo while he was vacationing on Cape Cod during his junior year in high school.
Jeanette René Mayer has enjoyed art since she was young. She especially loves drawing flowers and people as "a way to relax." She declares, "I love sharing my work with others who enjoy art as much as I do." While in high school she assisted with the wrestling team and was a member of the national honor society. She was also active in volunteer work. Now a college freshman, Jeanette enjoys going to the movies, playing pool with her boyfriend, cooking and baking. Her artwork was featured in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Jessica Mazonson was at the beach with her best friend, Lexie, when she took her photograph "to get the texture of the sand." While in high school, she played field hockey and was very active in community service, including educating peers on racial issues, being trained to combat domestic violence, and volunteering at a women's shelter. Now a college freshman interested in studying Spanish and anthropology, she is active in women's issues and is a peer counselor for victims of sexual assault. Jessica's photo appeared in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Kathleen McCarney is a college sophomore studying journalism. She likes watching movies and reading books, magazines or anything that sparks her interest. She loves writing, learning and trying new things. Overall she is inspired by life in general, the good and the bad. Kathleen wrote her poem while a senior in high school. She explains, "I am grateful I found poetry and writing as an outlet, as the best listener ever ... I wish everyone could find such a meaningful way to vent, to cry, to live."
Carrie Meathrell wrote her poignant poem as a junior in high school. Now a college junior studying English and French, she enjoys reading, traveling, British history, writing and film. Last year she even spent the summer studying Shakespeare in England. At school she is a member of a sorority and works at the student union. After graduating Carrie hopes to pursue her Ph.D. in English or work in the film industry. She writes, "I just want to tell my boyfriend, Matt, that I love him!"
Marissa Meerbach graduated from college with a degree in wildlife biology and management, and is currently working at a university pathobiology department. Her favorite pastimes include photography, writing and spending time outdoors. She also loves to travel to foreign countries and recently visited Estonia, the birthplace of her parents. Marissa took her photo as a high-school senior for an assignment on portraiture. She used her dad's 1967 Nikon which she called "The Beast." Marissa explains, "It weighed a lot and was a basic, early camera with a broken light meter." She thanks Gillian for being such a patient model and her former photography teacher, Mr. Allen.
Jessica A. Melillo is a college senior studying biology and Spanish and hopes to attend medical school or pursue a Ph.D. in neuro-genetic research. At college she has worked in a research lab and been involved in intramural volleyball, student government and many community service activities. She especially loves reading, art and experiencing the history and diversity of cultures that surrounds her. Jessica wrote about her experience during her sophomore year in high school.
Courtney Miller was on the front porch of her house when she noticed the pattern of the wood rails and thought it would be a neat picture. A senior in high school, she plans to study elementary education in college this fall. At school she is a class officer and member of the lacrosse team. She also enjoys photography, skiing, hanging out with friends and traveling all over the world with her family. One of her favorite places is Ireland and she hopes to visit Australia. Courtney's photo appeared in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Kerry Elizabeth Miller wrote her about first work experience as a junior in high school. After her brief stint in the restaurant industry, she delved into the exciting world of retail as a stock person. She is currently a college freshman where she is a staff writer for the paper, an intern with campus radio station, an ice hockey player and a mentor for teenagers. After dreaming about spending a few years as a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, editing her own magazine, Kerri will save our nation's public schools by implementing far-reaching reform.
Luis Steven Miranda is a freshman in college. He works part-time as a dental assistant and plans to become a dentist. He writes, "The honor I received was that of the look on my mother's face when she read my piece in your magazine ... I thank you for the opportunity to share my gratitude for the most important woman in my life." Luis also acknowledges his former teacher, Ms. Simon, for her "encouragement, support, patience and understanding in the development of a young mind."
Vanessa Montes created her drawing as a senior in high school, where she was vice-president of the national honor society and a member of the basketball team. Now a college freshman studying art therapy, she also runs her own small perfume and gift shop. Vanessa spends most of her summers visiting her relatives in Mexico. In her free time she is active in volunteer work, having recently spent a week in Tijuana, Mexico building houses, and she loves to draw "fairies, butterflies and all mystical stuff." She dedicates her drawing in loving memory to her abuelita [grandmother].
Kerri Lynn Morrone wrote her insightful poem during her freshman year in high school. Now a college senior studying English and psychology, she loves to play with her calico kitten, Abby, who she's proud to say can sit and fetch. Kerri also enjoys creating both poetry and short stories; her favorite author is Roald Dahl. After obtaining her Ph.D. in English, she hopes to be an author and college professor.
Tess Morton remembers she had a photograpy assignment on light and dark when she took her "spur of the moment" shot last year. She and her friends, Megan and Amy, were just playing around with props when she got the idea for her photograph. Now a freshman in college studying business, Tess is a member of a sorority. In her free time she loves to ski and hopes to take photography classes in the future.
Kirsten Murray wrote her piece about her friend during her junior year in high school. Now a senior in college, she plans to pursue her master's degree in health-care administration this fall. She is a nationally ranked athlete and captain of her college sports team. In her free time she enjoys volunteering in a children's hospital and teaching elementary school students during the summers. Kirsten is happy to say that she enjoys college much more than high school.
Lindsay Starr Muscato is a college junior studying journalism. She has interned at Newsweek and is interested in graphic design and geology. She believes "any emotional crisis can be solved with Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream." Lindsay wrote her riveting short story as a senior in high school. She gives special thanks to her former teachers, Mrs. Ihlefeld and Mrs. Doerr, who always believed in her.
Beth Anne Nadeau wrote her thoughtful poem during her senior year in high school. Now a college senior studying creative writing and rhetoric, she is a member of the National English Honor Society. In November 1999, her mother was in a car accident that left her in a coma for 15 days. For her senior thesis, Beth and her mother have been collaborating on a book recounting her mother's experiences while comatose and through her recovery.
Margaret Nolan still has moments of inspiration to write "poetry, weird ramblings and sometimes short stories." Currently a college sophomore, she crafted her realistic fiction piece as a senior in high school. She has been involved with the theater since middle school and currently does technical work with her school's theater department. One of her favorite productions this year was "Much Ado About Nothing." Margaret enjoys "discussing the meaning of life and spending time with my friends," and she hopes to visit Europe and the British Isles.
Emily L. O'Brien wrote her hilarious tale as a junior in high school, and although it's been years, she still recalls this first experience whenever she shaves her legs! Emily graduated from college with a degree in medieval renaissance history and just recently received her Ph.D. in medieval history. She loves producing plays and reading fiction. Her favorite playwrights include Noël Coward and Shakespeare ("the old tried and true") and one of her current favorite authors is Stella Gibbons. She also enjoys the Harry Potter books and studying in England where she delved into the culture and history that surrounded her.
Laura Alison O'Donnell wrote her touching short story last year as a senior in high school. Now a college freshman studying psychology and English, she enjoys volunteering at the local humane society and her church. She loves to read whenever she can and still hopes to develop her writing skills; her goal is to be published and hopefully recognized for her writing some day. For Alison, being published in Teen Ink is "quite an honor." She thanks Mrs. Rutter and Mrs. Lueck, her high-school English teachers who gave her so much encouragement.
Laura Oberg is a senior in high school where she is president of her class, captain of the varsity cheerleading squad and secretary of the Spanish club. She loves going to the beach, working out and spending time with her friends. She hopes one day to fulfill her dream of traveling to Europe. Laura is happy to say that since her piece first appeared in Teen Ink magazine last year, Jen and her family have moved back and so her best friend is (geographically!) close once again.
Rebecca Danielle Onie wrote her riveting piece as a sophomore in high school. After graduating from college with a degree in history and science, she served as founder and director of Project HEALTH which works to ensure that every child grows up free from obstacles imposed by poor health. In October 1999, she received the Do Something Brick Award for Community Leadership as one of ten "dynamic young people under the age of thirty, with the passion and drive to improve their communities." Rebecca is currently in her first year of law school. She writes, "Thank you to my parents, who are my inspiration and my editors, then, now and always."
Mallie Allison Owsley was a senior in high school when she wrote her inspiring piece about her niece. After giving college a try, she decided to follow her dream of becoming a country music star. She currently works in accounting but is still pursuing her goal to sing (a dream she's had since the age of ten). Although moving away from her family to pursue her career was difficult, it was "a major step for me ... and one of the best decisions of my life." Mallie thanks Lauren for "being an adult and having a strong will and heart. She is precious and very dear to my whole family. We love her and find it a blessing that she is in our lives."
Chris Parsons enjoys photography and reading very much. A senior in high school, he has received many state and school awards as well as the scholastic gold key for his photography. He also has a mop-top haircut which he thinks is very funny. Chris thanks Teen Ink for publishing his work. He writes, "Being published in Teen Ink inspires me and give me the confidence I need as an artist in the competitive art world of today."
Justin W. Parsons believes "taking pictures is a really fun way to look into the past" and is considering a career in photography. Now in his last year of high school, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, watching movies and spending time with his girlfriend, Cassandra. Justin dedicates his photo which he took as a sophomore to her and his dogs, Nugget and Micah - "I know you're out there and reading. Good night and God bless."
Emily Kate Peloquin graduated from college last year with a degree in liberal arts, theater and psychology, and currently is an early intervention specialist with infants. She also works part-time at an adolescent psychiatric unit where she utilizes writing, music, drama and dance skills as means of expressive therapy. Emily wrote her piece while a senior in high school. She thanks her teacher, Mr. McManus, and Teen Ink for giving her an opportunity to express herself when she needed it.
Amy Danielle Piedalue is a college sophomore studying South Asian studies and Classical Greek. She spends much of her free time reading and writing. She also loves music and going to tons of live shows. Her favorite band is Pearl Jam and once she even attended four concerts within five days! Amy wrote her essay about visiting her sister as a senior in high school. She dedicates it to her sister, Alicia, who has since graduated and lives in the same city as Amy. They remain close and see each other all the time.
Aimee K. Poulin wrote her poignant piece during her freshman year in high school. Now a senior, she is involved with the French and Spanish clubs and the student senate. She is also vice-president of the leaders club and she plays flute in the band. In her free time she enjoys going to the movies with friends. Aimee's greatest passion, however, is dancing. She takes ballet every night after school and weekends, and spends her summers dancing with a professional dance company. She hopes to become a professional dancer.
Caite Powers is a junior in high school. She enjoys reading, photography, dancing and swimming. She works at a candy store after school and during the summer, and she also stuides both and kickboxing. Her favorite activity in the summertime is swimming. Caite thanks Mr. Kelly, her photography teacher, for "teaching me good techniques when photographing. I always enjoyed his classes and useful tips!"
Matt Puralewski enjoys shooting pool with his friends and writing poetry. One of his greatest inspirations is Sir Thomas Wyatt; one wall of his bedroom is even covered with Wyatt's poems. Matt believes "the figurative language is so great. Two lines can mean so much more." He also loves music and playing the guitar. His favorite artist is Dave Matthews and his favorite guitarist is Stevie Ray Vaughan. Now a high school senior, Matt plans to study creative writing at college. He dedicates his poem to Mr. Dermody, "my freshman-year creative writing teacher who helped me get published the first time."
Benjamin Quigley was a senior in high school when he shot his photo for a class assignment on light and shadow. Now a college freshman studying business, he enjoys running and road biking. He is also an avid tennis player and has been teaching tennis since he was twelve. Ben dedicates his photo to his grandfather who was "a real photo enthusiast." He will always remember him and his love of photography.
Stephanie Quinn took her photo of her young neighbor during her sophomore year of high school. It was an 'ordinary' picture until she started playing around in the darkroom by putting developer solution on her hands. Now a college sophomore studying psychology, Stephanie enjoys living away at school and having fun with her friends. She credits her photography teacher, Mr. Berube, and Caitlin, for being such a patient subject.
Ana Raba-Mickelson loves drawing, painting and writing, though her favorite is drawing in oil pastels. She remembers her collage of Andy Warhol (one of her favorite artists) was her first attempt at pure collage during her senior year in high school. Now a college freshman studying art history, she enjoys playing the guitar and piano in her free time. She also has fun singing with her band which sometimes performs in a local coffee shop.
Lauren Ratchford wrote her piece as a senior in high school. Having graduated from college with a degree in international relations and sociology, she is now pursing her master's in social work. She still loves to write and wants to write a novel some day. She also enjoys reading, playing tennis and running. Lauren dedicates her story to her family: "Now that my tumultuous adolescent years are behind me, I have grown to appreciate and depend upon my family who has always loved and supported me."
Ellie Roan is a college sophomore studying English and East Asian studies. She spends most of her time "looking for lost pencils, trying to start those 15-page English essays due yesterday, and walking the path to enlightenment with my Taoist kazoo orchestra." She enjoys crushed ice, punctuality, kung fu and translating popular songs into Chinese. She also has a strong belief in the Pythagorean Theorem and the letter "W." Ellie wrote her creative piece as a senior in high school. She dedicates it to Rita: "You rock!"
Jen Roman took her photo last year for a class assignment on shadows. She saw the chair in her backyard and thought it made interesting shadows on the grass and itself. A junior, she is involved with both the yearbook and literary magazine. Jen is also a member of Amesty International and a local committee working to build a teen center. In her free time she enjoys reading, photography, art and theater.
Jonathan Roper shot his photograph by a pond near his house. A senior in high school, he enjoys skateboarding, hockey, lacrosse, golf and sailing.
Laura Marie Rovner is currently completing her associate's degree in engineering science and hopes to pursue both a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA. Laura wrote about her perfect moment in her junior year of high school, where she was active in student council and class historian. In her free time she volunteers for a YMCA summer camp and the American Heart Association. She writes, "I would like to dedicate this to my mom for always being there. I love you."
Hart Sawyer has always loved art in all forms. At the age of three, she took JIF peanut butter and painted her arms and hands until her parents found her! Now in the eighth grade, she has won a number of awards for her art and is currently in her third year of adult pottery classes. Two of her other favorite pastimes are photography and composing songs on the piano. Hart plans to be a great artist one day and she also hopes to model and sing. She gives special thanks to Teen Ink and her teachers, Mr. Mormano and Mrs. Coy.
Sally Schonfeld wrote about her life-changing piece during her junior year in high school. She is now a college junior studying biology and geology. She runs track and earned all-conference honors in cross-country. During the summers Sally has worked at a camp, leading canoe trips and as a sailing instructor. She loves the outdoors, music, her friends and family. Sally is very thankful that her mom is now healthy and she appreciates her family for their craziness and love.
Lisa Schottenfeld is a senior in high school, where she is editor of both the newspaper and literary magazine and is involved with chorus and the debate group. She has performed in many school theatrical productions and volunteers as a director for her temple's drama club. Her greatest passion is Shakespeare. Lisa has been published many times in Teen Ink magazine. She wrote her reminiscent poem during her sophomore year and another one of her poems, "Into the Mold," was featured in the first Teen Ink book.
Julie Schultz wrote her insightful piece as an older teen during her junior year in college. After graduating with a degree in religious studies, she received her master's in social policy and Jewish communal service with a concentration in fundraising. She currently works as a financial and human resource development consultant to nonprofit organizations. In her free time Julie teaches a comparative religion class for high school students, is involved in community theater both on-stage and behind the scenes, and participates in volunteer work with her boyfriend and friends.
Amy Scott is a college freshman studying psychology. She still loves to write, although she doesn't write creatively as often as she would like. She spends as much of her free time as she can dancing and traveling, although she admits, "the latter is a little harder since I'm a very busy college student." Amy is active in her sorority and loves participating in her school's dance marathon, one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the country. She wrote her engaging short story during her junior year in high school.
Lee Ann Sechovicz wrote her piece about friendship while still in the sixth grade. After being published in Teen Ink magazine, she pursued athletic and academic interests but never forgot about writing. She has since graduated from college with a degree in international relations and currently works as a financial advisor. She is still an avid reader and plans to write a book about how to survive the financial Internet world. Lee Ann tips her hat to her English teacher, Mrs. Rogers, who "taught me how to express my feelings through writing. Her kind words, constructive criticism and enormous heart shaped me more than she will ever know."
Charlie Semine is a college sophomore majoring in theater with minors in English and Italian. Last summer he studied Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, and he is a member of his college's only improv comedy troupe. In his free time he enjoys playing the sax, singing and traveling "to Europe or anywhere. But especially Italy - the Renaissance is cool." Charlie took his photo as a high school sophomore for a photography class assignment entitled "shadows" (the shadow in the photo is his father's).
Jessica Shaw remembers she was vacationing on Cape Cod when she took her photograph during her sophomore year in high school. Graduating from college with a degree in American Studies, she currently works in human resources for a local NPR news station (and hopes to write and produce for radio in the future). In her free time she is an avid runner and still enjoys photography as a hobby. Jessica thanks her ninth-grade English teacher, Ms. Burgoon, "who alway encouraged us to submit written pieces, drawings and photographs to Teen Ink."
Melody Shaw is a sophomore in high school. Someday she hopes to find a career that involves all the things she loves to do: painting, drawing, writing and communicating with many different people. For fun she is learning Hungarian sword-fighting, and hopes to join her school's fencing team. Melody thanks her local paper for her summer internship and treating her like an equal even though she was fresh out of eighth grade. She also thanks Teen Ink: "Not only has your magazine allowed me to touch the lives of others, it has created a window from which I can see and be touched by the hearts of people vastly different from me."
William Sheppard created his self-portrait as a senior in high school. Now a college freshman studying business, he plans to pursue his masters in culinary art, physical therapy and music. His long-time dream has been to become a chef and physical therapist. He explains, "I've enjoyed cooking since I was little and I've always wanted to help people." He also loves music, especially alternative music and jazz. He plays the trombone, drums and steel drums, and is a member of a jazz band and steel pan band. Will says, "Music will be part of my life forever." He thanks his high-school art teachers, Mrs. Skelton and Mrs. Putman.
Robert Sickel wrote about his sister as a sophomore in high school. Now a college freshman, he enjoys political science and playing sports. He was on both the cross-country and baseball teams in high school, and currently playing rugby. His other favorite passions are playing Risk (which is "very entertaining; it's fun to take over the world") and writing. Rob was voted best creative writer during his senior year in high school. He explains, "I don't understand poetry, and novels are too ambitious. It's much more fun when you have to work to get there." Rob gives special thanks to his former English teacher, Mr. Fischer, "the most intelligent man I'll ever meet."
Rebecca Silverman is enjoying her sophomore year in high school. She writes, "Some people say sophomore year is the worst because you're not new, but you're not yet an upperclassman - kind of in-between. I think it's only the worst if you make it the worst, because I'm having a great time." Rebecca is active with youth leadership and diversity programs both in and out of school. She also plays the piano and hopes to continue studying photography in the future. Rebecca dedicates her photo to her friend, Rachel, who was playing around on an old jungle gym when she shot her photograph last year.
Stephen Siperstein is a junior in high school and a musician "to the core." He has been playing the guitar and piano for years, and has even taught children how to play. Photography is a fairly new avocation for Stephen, although he has already had an exhibition in his hometown. His photographs have been published many times in Teen Ink magazine.
Katherine Smith is a junior in high school. She founded a Christian fellowship club at her school and is active in volunteer work She has been involved helping with her community's teen court program and each year she spends her birthday at a food bank. Katherine loves "being around people. Making a difference is the biggest thing." She enjoys photography, softball and children, and hopes to be an elementary school teacher. Katherine's personal piece about her friend Nick first appeared in Teen Ink magazine last year. She writes, "I'd like to thank God, for his grace in my life and the opportunities and talents he has afforded me, and my parents, who are truly very supportive. I get so much love from them. It's great to have them in my life."
Andrea Denise Starkey is a junior in high school, where she is a member of both the snowboarding and community service club. In her free time she likes to draw and paint, play guitar, and go snowboarding and wakeboarding with her friends. Andrea writes, "I enjoy making art because it gives me a chance to create with total freedom." She dedicates her artwork to Angie Flores, "the bravest girl I know."
Gwen Steel wrote her insightful piece as a high school junior. Having complete her sophomore year in college, she is taking time off, working as a receptionist and webmaster for a banner manufacturer. At college she worked at the campus art museum and was active in the student activist collective that tackled issues ranging from affordable housing to Mumia Abu-Jamal. She still interns at the college radio station and would like to pursue voice work. Gwen is interested in reading, writing and the arts.
Erin Temple was inspired to write her poem as a freshman in high school when her mom explained she was too young to vote in the Presidential election. After high school Erin worked and traveled around the country. Currently a college freshman, she loves animals and plans to be a zoologist that researches reptile behavior. (She practices now with her pet iguana, Goldberg.) She loves dancing, hanging out with her friends and keeping her daily journal. Erin thanks her mom and dad for encouraging her writing.
Jessica Tenaglia wrote her poignant short story as a high school sophomore, where she was active in student council, editor of the newspaper and captain of the swim team. She is currently a junior in college studying political science and Spanish. Jessica spent a semester in Mexico and is a peer leader and tutor. In her free time she enjoys being a news broadcaster on the campus radio, reading, writing emails to her friends and having fun.
Jennifer Tepe is a freshman in college studying communications. Her two favorite pastimes are dancing and writing poetry. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance, and her poetry has appeared in a number of publications. Jennifer took her photo during her senior year in high school. It was totally unplanned; her sister was "just being a goof-ball" when Jennifer took her picture. She gives special thanks to her mom, Lisa, Brian, Sarah and Hannah (and her chocolate lab, Zoe!), and she dedicates her photo in loving memory to her father, David Tepe.
Cara Tibbits studied elementary education and psychology in college and currently works as a police dispatcher. She has a wonderful husband and spends most of her free time with their two great daughters, Kelsey and Julia. She still enjoys watching football on television and attending local high school games. Cara wrote about playing football as a high school sophomore. She thanks her coach, Mr. Auffant, for being supportive and open-minded and allowing her the chance to play when others wouldn't.
Kymberly Anne Terribile enjoys going out with her friends and doing 'normal,' stupid teenage things" now that she is a senior in high school. She especially loves writing since it allows her to be herself in a way that no one else can judge. Although she loves her family more than anything in the world, she is excited about going to college far from home. Kym wrote about her first love as a sophomore. She writes, "Thank you, Mommy, for always pushing me to do my best!"
Justin Toohey is a senior in high school. He is a member of the cross-country team and he plays clarinet in the school band. He also works part-time in a hardware store. In his free time he enjoys reading and writing; one of his favorite authors is George Orwell. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Justin plans to attend college this fall where he will major in materials engineering. He gives thanks to his mom and his brother, Mark.
Olga Tsyganova loves to read and write, as well as play the saxophone and piano. She is a cross-country runner, which she finds "a very unique clear-minding sport." She also enjoys drama and writing an "Ask Olga" column for her school newspaper. Now a sophomore, Olga thanks her family and friends who give her a great deal of support, urging her to do well in school. She also thanks her English teacher, Mr. Hogue, for "making me work to better my writing." Her piece about a "kind stranger" was published in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Louise Turner remembers that her photograph of her bedroom windowsill was in the first roll of film she ever took as a junior in high school two years ago. After spending her junior and senior years in the United States, Louise and her family have since moved back to Sweden. She plans to start university in the fall and study "everything from medicine to media and TV." Louise enjoys snowboarding and photography "just for fun," and she loves to dance and listen to all kinds of music. She gives special thanks to her parents and friends.
Lia Kristyn Underwood is pursuing her associate's degree and working full-time at a candy store which she loves! In her free time she enjoys creative writing, arts and crafts. Last summer she read her poem, which she wrote as a high school senior, and shared her personal experiences with adolescents at a local rehabilitation center. Lia found the experience tremendously rewarding, believing that it's always better to try your best to help than do nothing. She writes, "Thank you to my family, my elementary art teacher, Mrs. Lefluer, my creative writing teacher, Mrs. Kavanaugh, and all members of my town's Exchange Club for my scholarships. If I can do it, anyone can."
Matthew Virag is a sophomore in high school. He enjoys writing and working as an editor for the school newspaper. One of his pieces recently won a "Best of Round" award in a local writing competition. In his free time he likes to ski, travel and study archaeology. Matthew's poem was originally published in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Joanne Wang wrote her piece about her best friend as a senior in high school, where she was editor of the newspaper and president of the Hunger Task Force. Now a college freshman, she tutors at an after-school program and helps in the Christian Fellowship group. In her free time she loves to read and write fiction (her favorite novel is Jane Eyre). Joanne is happy to report that since their first comical experience, she and Stephanie have successfully skied black diamond trails. She also thanks Mrs. Krinsky for being "very challenging, inspiring and enthusiastic, and one of my best high school teachers."
Cassie Warren has her green belt in karate, which she has studied for six years, and currently is working toward her black belt. She is interested in studying pharmacology when she enters college this fall. Cassie wrote her honest piece during her sophomore year. She dedicates it to her brother, Brandon, who "has taught me about the true art of being unique and being true to yourself."
Michelle E. Watsky is a junior in high school. Her favorite hobbies include reading, acting, dancing and collecting anything related to James Dean. She loves going to the theater, museums and other artistic activities. Her inspirations include Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, Edgar Degas and Edouard Manet. She dedicates her personal piece to her English teacher, Mrs. Winkler - "without you, I could never have finished this piece" - and to her friends and family in thanks for their support.
Michael L. Wheaton wrote about his family's divorce as a junior in high school. He thanks his teacher, Mrs. O'Connor whose "assignment gave me the reason to write this essay, which, in turn, gave me the strength to get past a tough point in my life." Michael has since graduated from college with a degree in English and psychology, and is working toward his master's in English. He works in the Special Education department at a local school and hopes to be an English teacher.
Julie White is a junior in high school, where she participates in drama and is on the varsity soccer, basketball and varsity teams. She has served as class secretary for the last three years and is a member of the National Honor Society. Julie is also active in community service, including SADD, a peer leaders program and the Special Olympics. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, photography and especially art. She is especially looking forward to traveling to Israel this summer. Julie's poignant piece about her brother was published in Teen Ink magazine last year.
Justin Whittaker loves skateboarding and the arts. A senior in high school, he especially enjoys photography and drawing, although his favorite activity is his band, Inprogress. Justin took his photo when his friend, Adam, olied [i.e. jumped with the skateboard] over him and he snapped away. He thanks Adam and the rest of his skateboarding crew for their help and he thanks Teen Ink for publishing his work.
Cerys Wilson is enjoying life in the United States since moving here from England last summer. Now a junior in high school, she says, "I really like it here. I've made some nice friends and the photography is great." Cerys plans to join the soccer, cross-country and track teams. She also is "really into film, making my own videos and going to the movies with friends - especially small, independent films that are quirky and about strange people." An aspiring director, she plans to attend film school in the future. Cerys took her self-portrait using a tripod and Canon SLR camera. She was looking around her room for something to do when she came up with the idea of posing behind her bedroom window curtain.
Caitlin Rothrock Winner stood on the railing of her family's deck to take her photo of her younger sister, Reade. She explains, "I had just gotten a wide angle lens and was experimenting with it." A senior in high school, Caitlin is vice-president of student government, a photographer for the yearbook and a member of both the ski and softball teams. She is also on an award-winning travel softball team. Caitlin is interested in studying physics and the arts in college this fall. In her free time she especially enjoys photography, video and all visual media.
Lisa Wojcik took her photo as a senior in high school. Now a college junior studying physical therapy, she enjoys cooking, hiking, exercising, photography, environmental issues clubs, reading and traveling. Her favorite food is vegetarian Indian, her favorite novelist is Milan Kundera, her favorite poet is Pablo Neruda, her favorite painter is Francis Picabia, and her favorite photographers are Eugene Richards and Brenden Bannon. She thanks her former teacher, Ms. Kirdani, and her parents for always supporting her.
Jennifer Wood is a college senior studying television and video production. When she's not working as assistant house manager for a performance arts show, she loves to go to the movies. One day she hopes to create a children's television program like "something I remember that I loved as a kid." She also hopes to sell her screenplay that is roughly based on her mom and brother. Jennifer wrote about her amazing experience as a senior in high school. Since that time her brother has learned to "find himself and find some good in the world ... He's taken all of that inward anger and learned to express himself in some of the most beautiful ways I've ever seen." Jennifer thanks her mom and two younger brothers "for all the inspiration they give me. From the stories they have, I could write for the rest of my life."
Ellen Yastrow wrote her poignant short story during her senior year in high school a year ago, where she was a member of the stage band and student council. She is now a freshman in college. One of her most memorable experiences was her bat mitzvah in Israel a few years ago. She has worked as a teacher's aide at her Sunday school and in her free time she loves reading, swimming and playing the violin. She also enjoys writing and her work has been published in both English and Hebrew.
Dan Zaslavsky was skateboarding with his friend, Jon, when he took his silhouette photograph last year. He took his other photograph when he was visiting Bad Water in Death Valley, California, the lowest spot in the Western Hemisphere (282 feet below sea level). Now a junior in high school, his favorite pastimes include "eating, breathing, sleeping, skateboarding, music and my girl." He has been an avid skater for the last six years and is also interested in cinematography and video. He especially enjoys filming and editing skate videos with his friends. Dan thanks his family, his girlfriend and "anybody who appreciates skateboarding and art."
Teen Ink PO Box 30 Newton, MA 02461 (617) 964-6800 editor@teenink.com
Copyright 2008 by Teen Ink, The 21st Century and The Young Authors Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced,
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permission of the publisher: The Young Authors Foundation, Inc.
Teen Ink is a national teen magazine, book and website featuring
teen writing, information, art, photos, poetry, teen issues and more. All
articles are written by teen authors who are students at schools. The monthly
print magazine is appropriate for any teenager -- teenagers age 13 to 19
attending secondary school: junior high school, middle school and high school.
This publication is used by professional people including English teachers,
writing teachers, language arts instructors, journalism teachers, school
newspaper advisors, librarians, guidance counselors, K-12 principals in addition
to the PTA or PTO. Each issue of Teen Ink magazine contains a wide variety of
student work: we publish nonfiction, fiction, poems, community service, sports,
heroes, interviews, college essays, college reviews, book reviews, concert
reviews, movie reviews, music reviews, video reviews, video game reviews, the
environment, opinion, sports, pets, cars, automobiles, travel and culture, jobs
and money, health issues, artwork, photographs, cartoons, short stories, essays,
writing contests, a college directory and the website also has a bulletin board
and resources for teens and educators. Subjects include racism,
eating disorders, depression, death, suicide, family, relationships, jobs,
grandparents, violence, the college process, college information, colleges,
driving, self esteem, the arts, movies and more. Teen Ink is also a book series
published by HCI Teens. Subjects covered in the book include Friends, Fitting In,
Love, Challenges, Family, Heroes, Loss and Memories. Teen Ink was established in
1989 as The 21st Century magazine by The Young Authors Foundation, a nonprofit
organization. More than 25,000 teens have been published in the magazine and its
companion Poetry Journal. Teen Ink runs a London Summer Program for teenage writers.
