WriteGirl News

It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in the office watching Zoe write her “last goodbye” and now it is my turn! All this seems way too soon, and I really don’t want to leave!

I still remember the first day of work when I was (surprise!) asked to put a binding into a stack of hole-punched papers—manually. Definitely not something I thought I would be doing on my first job, but most certainly an interesting way to start!

The atmosphere here is always so upbeat and cheerful, and that makes it a joy coming to work every morning. (Except maybe on those days when I—oops—stayed up too late!) I don’t think I will ever forget my time here.

If you asked me to do double-sided copies two months ago, I would have looked at you with a baffled face. Now, if you ask me to do the same thing, I’ll jump at the chance and make you five copies in next to no time. (I really love printing copies….) Not only that, but I’m a complete pro when it comes to opening boxes, writing addresses, making labels, packaging books and envelopes, and writing thank you cards. (Yes, again, the cards!)

When I first came into my job, I was really just one of those “I don’t really care about my community” type of a teenager. But now, after seeing what non-profit organizations do, I feel like I’m finally part of something and I want to give back. I think this is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through these six weeks. I’m so grateful for that.

Thank you so much Keren. And you too, Joanna! And Reparata! Thank you to everyone for everything.

And now, inspired by Zoe, I have two haikus to share as well!

When I am eating
I hold spoons and forks like pencils
I write so much now!

Flourishing of words
Poems are hard to understand
And often too short

–WriteGirl high school intern Yvonne, age 16

Here are some photos from our good-bye lunch with Yvonne at the fabulous Nickel Diner on Main Street!

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The Momentum Awards were held May 8, 2009 at the Montage in Beverly Hills. Sponsored by the Women’s Foundation of California, the event honors women of great achievement. And I can only think of one adjective that describes the atmosphere there—fierce. As a guest presenter, representing WriteGirl, I was a little nervous. I was the only high school girl on hand, and I’d be giving an award to Isabel Allende as a “truth-teller, philanthropist, and storyteller.” Her debut novels “House of Spirits” and “Of Love and Shadows” have been translated into dozens of languages and have sold tens of millions of copies. But excitement overcame fear when I was told that I would sit next to Isabel the entire luncheon. I took the chance to ask her what advice she would give to a young writer like myself: “Start with journalism. Journalism will give you the skills you will need to branch out in all types of writing.” Her favorite writing advice? “Write what should not be forgotten.”

– Fahiya, age 17

I’m Yvonne, and I’m a high school intern working at WriteGirl, in conjunction with the Constitutional Rights Foundation.

This is definitely a new experience for me––in fact, this is the first time I’ve ever worked before, and wow! I don’t think I could have asked for a better place to hold a job at!

The atmosphere in this tiny (but very cozy and friendly) office is bursting with energy and fun. Everyday seems to bring in new surprises and new experiences that I don’t think I could ever gain anywhere else! And though our staff is incredibly small, I still love everyone I work with because we are so close and familiar with each other.

Even though I have only worked here a few weeks, I’ve already gotten comfortable with the office environment and blended in perfectly (but thankfully not as the wallpaper!). Everyone here is so kind and amiable, I can’t help but to feel as if they are merely an extension of my immediate family, and not just my co-workers or my boss.

It has been incredibly hectic since my first day of work. It seems that all I have been doing for the first two weeks was writing thank-you letters, packing books, finding addresses, and shipping things off! I think everyone working in the postal office has memorized my face (and perhaps gotten a bit upset with me) because of the carts and carts of mail and packages I keep bringing in each day!

We’re very relaxed and “chill” here and I’m very glad for that. Not having to dress up everyday just to come to work is certainly a plus! In fact, I have a dog sitting next to me right now! (How random….)

Oh, what fun I’ve had here at WriteGirl! I wish I don’t ever have to leave here! (Can I ditch high school for this job?)

-Yvonne, age 16

Howdy Writers!

Zoe Young here, coming to you from WriteGirl where I’ve been interning for the past 2 months. I’m here at the WriteGirl office promoting our upcoming anthology, “Silhouette,” due out in January 2010, and petting Keren’s chocolate lab. I’m gradually laying siege to the tower of galleys to my left, and once they’re all sent out I want to plant a flag in the floor where they were. The responses have been surprisingly good. I never thought I would feel welcomed by Cosmopolitan Magazine, but when you’ve got a great book in hand, it seems like anything is possible.

Today is my last day at the office before I head to Ireland for a year of study abroad. I’d like to end things on a meaningful note. A haiku perhaps?

Here at the office
I’ve never been more happy
To write like a girl

-Zoe Young