I joined YWP at the beginning of my eighth grade year. This was during the same time period my family and I were considering an English tutor for me, because even though I read two books a day, I couldn't form a coherent sentence. We never ended up getting that English tutor. Throughout eighth grade it seemed I was miraculously getting better at writing, not good enough to be in the accelerated classes my freshman year with my friends, but good enough. I wasn't really satisfied with good enough though. I continued writing on YWP and I continued working in school. My sophomore year I was in the accelerated English program with my friends. I wrote on YWP all through sophomore year and started dabbling in photography too. Junior year I was in AP Lang and started reading my poetry to audiences, something I'd never done before. The winter of junior year I read one of my poems at the Annual Multiple Sclerosis Authors Luncheon. I was able to meet published authors including the author of WICKED. I never would have had that opportunity if it wasn't for YWP and Geoff. Reading my poetry gave me a boost of confidence.

By the time the AP Lang exam came around, I was prepared. I scored really well, well enough to get out of my freshman English class in college. I don't know yet how I did on this years AP Lit exam, but I do know YWP help transform me into a better writer and gave me a little more confidence. For this, I have to thank Geoff, Susan, and the rest of the YWP staff and community that has helped me along the way.