Parents and Students Keep WritersStudio.us on the Map !

This Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to thank all the parents who've put their faith in the WritersStudio.us writing workshops since 2002. I also want to thank parents who've chosen to have me work with their children on their college application essays, trusting me with such an important milestone. WritersStudio.us would not be here without your vote of confidence!!!

To mark Thanksgiving 2023, I had a chance to speak with Jen Bystry, Bridge Communities' Director of Community Engagement, about her daughter Bailey's poem "If I Could Be Water" which was selected from over 20,000 entries from 11 countries, making her one of 100 finalists in the River of Words competition. It was also published in their anthology. And to think Bailey joined Writers Studio because a learning issue in elementary school discouraged her from reading and thus writing. It is parents like Jen, and kids like Bailey, who've helped keep WritersStudio.us going and I couldn't thank you all enough!! My heartfelt appreciation and thanks!!

In the realm of creativity and self-expression, the journey of a young writer can be transformative, shaping not only their skills but also their confidence and outlook on life. Bailey's story, as shared by her mother, Glen Ellyn resident, Jen Bystry, offers a glimpse into the profound impact that WritersStudio.us, and recognition in prestigious competitions, can have on a young person's life.

Bailey was extremely verbal from a very young age, but a learning issue in elementary school discouraged her from reading and thus writing as much as she might have. Bailey started working with WritersStudio.us when she was homeschooled in fifth grade. This marked the beginning of a transformative experience that would significantly shape her relationship with writing.

Working with WritersStudio.us not only nurtured Bailey's writing abilities but also instilled confidence in her, yielding remarkable achievements. Through this program, Bailey became an award-winning and published poet, a feat that may have seemed improbable earlier in her journey.

Bailey earned a spot as a finalist for her poem "If I Could Be Water" in a national poetry contest called River of Words Environmental Poetry and Art. Bailey’s poem was selected from over 20,000 entries from 11 countries. Bailey was one of 100 finalists in the competition and her poem was published in the River of Words anthology. "We traveled to Washington DC for the ceremony at the Library of Congress, which was a fantastic experience," recalls Jen Bystry, Director of Community Engagement, Bridge Communities.

"Bailey’s experience with Writers Studio helped grow her ability and her confidence. It gave her the opportunity to be an award-winning, published poet, which is something she never would have experienced if not for Writers Studio," says Jen Bystry, emphasizing the vital role WritersStudio.us played in Bailey's growth as both a writer and an individual.

Her success was not confined to this contest alone; Bailey's poem "Morning Water" secured the first-place position for sixth grade in the Glen Ellyn Public Library’s Middle School Poetry contest. These victories were not just personal milestones but a testament to Bailey's growing prowess as a wordsmith.

Bailey's achievements were recognized in media coverage. Both her wins were featured in the Daily Herald. These accolades served as a catalyst for her burgeoning confidence. "Being an award-winning, published author was such a thrill and really boosted Bailey’s confidence. It was wonderful to have her talents bloom and to be recognized in such a meaningful and public way. It was just what Bailey needed to grow her confidence and prove to herself that she could accomplish wonderful things," says Jen.

Bailey has since graduated from George Washington University. Her strong writing skills, developed through her journey in the literary world, now serve her well in her role at a New York nonprofit dedicated to improving underserved communities. Her ability to communicate effectively on complex issues, such as public policy and social matters, reflects the impact of her early experiences as a writer. Her ability to connect with a diverse network of individuals stems from the confidence instilled in her. Bailey's journey is a testament to the enduring power of nurturing creativity and the profound influence it can have on shaping lives.

Bailey's story is not just one of literary achievements but a narrative of personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of creative expression. WritersStudio.us and recognition in competitions such as the River of Words played pivotal roles in shaping Bailey's trajectory, proving that nurturing young talent can lead to a lifetime of meaningful contributions.

"At WritersStudio.us, we've had students, like Bailey, who've won Bronze and Silver at the Scholastic Art and Writing competition, we have a Time for Kids reporter, Torrance Creativity Award winners, a Dunham International Memorial Poetry Competition Winner and teens who are freelance writers, to name a few accomplishments. As we celebrate Bailey's journey, we also celebrate the importance of programs that champion the creative spirit in our youth," says Naazish YarKhan, founder of WritersStudio.us . For the Spring 2024 schedule, visit WritersStudio.us. All workshops are online and limited to four participants each.