Ever since I was little, I loved to tell stories. It all started with the inspiring words from authors and their books, drawing me in and fueling my imagination. I was not only addicted to the act of reading and learning, but also to hearing the stories and voices of the authors. This led me to write my own poems, short stories, and even scripts for my cousins to act out.

Later when I was in high school, I started a blog where I posted my stories and shared my experiences. It was a place where I could be myself, have a voice, and make an impact in the lives of my readers. The feedback I received was so encouraging and I decided that I wanted to use my passion to help others. I joined the yearbook staff at my school, interviewing students and telling their stories through my writing. It was such a rewarding experience and gave me the opportunity to meet people of all different ages, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths.

Becoming a writer gave me purpose and pushed me to grow in my craft and as a person. The act of writing itself is a creative outlet, a means of catharsis. Just like you can paint pictures on a canvas, you can empty your thoughts and feelings out onto a page. There are ways to describe how you are feeling in just one word, and there are ways to illustrate your emotions poetically. With each piece of writing, I learn something new about the world and myself.

Writing not only opened a door to self-discovery, but it also allowed me to grow outside of my comfort zone and make an impact in my community. There are human truths and emotions that are universal, and writing about them can help others to connect and live out their own stories. Words can inspire, motivate, and make a difference.

I became a writer because I could not deny my calling to help others and speak truth. I became a writer to express the unexpressed, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to spread positivity and light in the world. Whether you are an artist, a baker, an athlete, or a musician, pursue your passion with purpose. You were given a special gift. It is up to you how you use and foster it…

- M