Writing has always been a passion of mine since I could remember, but it was not until I wrote my first poem on my own that it truly set in how much writing meant to me.

It was my junior year in high school, juggling classes and after-school extracurricular activities that I started writing outside of the classroom. I had a lot of struggles happening throughout my family and many changes throughout the years, writing my feelings down and expressing myself in my work helped me understand my feelings and have a better outlook on the situations I was facing.

I had been with this same teacher for going on two years so she knew me pretty well.

Even though I had always been an outgoing bubbly girl, but she helped me break out of my shell when it came to participating in the classroom and sharing my works with others. When I came to her with my first poem I was nervous and scared that she would say that it was not good enough or that I did something wrong.

However, the response that I received was life-altering and she encouraged me to enter my poem into a writing contest that was going on, so that is exactly what I did!

After weeks of patiently waiting, the results of the contest were finally in and it was announced that I had received third place.

Yes, I know it is not first, but for me being in my first contest receiving third place was astounding and I was completely awestruck with the outcome! I immediately relayed this news to my teacher and she was overcome with joy at the fact that I had done so well, I knew she was really proud of me!

Being told by your teacher, someone you look up to that your work is outstanding and you truly have a gift is the best feeling you could receive. Knowing I had teachers at my school supporting and encouraging me to keep writing allowed me to have the courage and strength to share more of my works to come.

This also gave me the courage to pursue a Creative Writing minor in college and join organizations and groups such as Odyssey where I could share my work with the world and get my name out to the world.

Writing throughout the years has been such a wonderful experience, whether it be when I was in high school or currently at college. There have been so many doors that have opened for me in the writing world. From my works getting published on websites or anthologies to meeting Alexandra Weis an award-winning, bestselling author from back home in Louisiana; and having her encourage me to never give up on my writing dreams and letting me know I could always turn to her for advice!

Writing has allowed me to express myself is so many different ways and showcase my ideas and thoughts to those around me. Knowing that my writing could help my fellow peers or touch the hearts of others is an empowering feeling and I love doing it. Everyone has the capability to become whatever they seem fit in the world and I for one can not wait to see where my writing can take me in the future!

I owe all of my success in writing to my high school English teacher that I had to luxury of having for two full years, without her words of encouragement and teaching me how to be the writer I am today,

I would not have come this far.

There are not enough words in the dictionary to express how thankful I am to all the hard work she put in to help me throughout the years and to all of those individuals out there who continue to support me and my writings.

Thank you, from the heart of the writer within me that keeps on shooting for her dreams!