Teen Writers – Page 2 – ChiTeen Lit Fest

Let the Ink Guide You: The Power of Zines

November 6, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

By Jasper Abdullah

One of the most important things a teen can have access to is an emotional outlet. That’s where zines come in. Zines are self published magazines of all sizes that focus on telling one specific story or revolve around a couple specific themes. They’re a perfect intersection between writing and art, allowing flexibility for whatever medium the creator wants to focus on.

Working on zines is an excellent way to get introduced to the world of publishing. For example, you could explore the realm of self-publishing or partner with organizations that will help you get published, such as Brown and Proud Press which is a QTBIPOC (queer and trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Artist Collective. They work primarily through the format of zines, publishing work that ranges from an explanation of Marxism to an explanation on Anti-Blackness. The topics you can write about are limitless.

Creating art is a form of self-care. Besides making your voice heard, zine-making is an excellent way to pour your heart on the page without worrying about quantity. It’s flexible, meaning you can choose to express visually or linguistically. Allow yourself to vent, dream, and even reminisce through your zines: they’re a very human, yet eloquent outlet.

Zines are for everyone to create. You don’t need any previous level of experience. Just grab some paper, markers, and bring your heart to work. Whatever you create will be beautiful. Check out the Zines created by students from several CPS high schools served by the GEAR UP grant, through the Center for College Access and Success at Northeastern Illinois University. Get Inspired to create your own and share with us at ChiTeenLitfest.org

https://www.chicagogearup.org/zines.html

Extinguishing the Flame: Coping with Digital Burnout

November 6, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Teen Writers

By Jasper Abdullah

The Digital Era is here. Everything is tied to a device, and in the wake of the pandemic, the concept of a digital era has become more prominent: we’re working, shopping, and learning from home. Even as quarantine laxens, the most popular way to interact with others is through a thin glass screen and glaring blue lights– that is to say, online. But with never-ending Zooms, constant phone calls, and notifications, it can feel like there’s too much technology. As a result, you might experience:

Decreased energy
Become easily irate
Lack of motivation
Trouble connecting with others

These are symptoms of digital exhaustion, which is caused by the overstimulation of constant technology. I find myself dealing with it frequently and it leaves me frazzled. It’s a giant wave of stress and frustration, but how should we cope?

I spend a lot of my day speaking with others (the source of my digital exhaustion). When I start to feel burned out, it’s best to catch it early on or I’ll end up too overwhelmed to operate. If you’re speaking with someone when you start to feel like everything is suddenly too much, it’s important to communicate that. Be direct by saying, “Hey, (name), I’m feeling overwhelmed right now, so I’m going to take a break from my phone,” or go with the discreet option of, “I gotta go,” or “gtg.” If the burnout comes on while doing something noncommittal, like checking the news or swiping through social media for hours on end, close up the app immediately.

Channel those negative emotions into something beneficial, or else you might end up spiraling into a cycle of negative emotions (which, if you do, is okay too. Allow yourself to feel your emotions– you’ll be alright). I try to be mindful during my burnouts: I shut down my phone, try to go outside (even just checking the mail), or try sleeping it off. The only way to overcome a burnout is by taking a break. Try meditations, exercise, or forms of self-care that you’ve been negating (like eating, hydrating, showering, etc). Whatever you do, choose something that’s soothing and offline. This will pass: after all, we’ve made it this far.

How to Simp for Yourself – Physical Awareness Blog

November 3, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Teen Writers

By Winter Robinson and Summer Brooks

We are young people trying to stay healthy during a time of isolation and change. In some circumstances, food deserts can make it difficult to sustain a healthy diet in certain areas. Staying active can also be a struggle during this time of isolation. Keeping a stable mind and a balanced view of yourself and others can prove to be a challenge as well. Our names are Summer and Winter and we are sharing our personal experiences and advice.

Winter – Eating

I live in a food desert where good resources are hard to find, and the grocery stores marketed as “healthy” (Whole Foods, Marionos, Trader Joes, etc) are either hard to come by or too far for me to go by myself. There is always a way to find what you are looking for, it just takes a little more effort. The key is to educate yourself on the ingredients for things and know what to look for. Eating for nutrition can be confusing. An easy rule of thumb is to have 3 different colors of fruits and vegetables in your meal. An example could be eating spinach, eggs, and meat, like bacon. Doing this doesn’t take much time or thought, but it can add more variety to a meal without sacrificing nutrition.

I understand how hard it is to keep a balanced mindset on eating, for me it was hard because I ate just because I was bored. It could also be the opposite, you stop eating in fear of becoming overweight. Eating can be for pleasure, but it’s important to recognize that eating is also for nutrition and helps to keep us alive. It’s good to remember that just because you live by a certain diet (plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc) does not mean that you eat well. If you choose a diet and are not well-educated on it, you could be potentially neglecting the necessary nutrients you need. In order to reap the benefits of healthy eating it must become a lifestyle.

Summer Self-perception and goals

We have more input from social media than ever before, and it has a big influence on how we think. It’s easy to compare yourself to the people on social media and doing so can warp your view of yourself. Many teenagers struggle with body image. Something I always tell myself is to love and embrace the person I am now, and to work hard to become the person I want to be both physically and mentally. Viewing yourself in a positive light is easier said than done and takes a lot of practice. We place a lot of value on appearance and one thing that helped me was to give appearance less value in my life. Obviously to a certain extent I still care about my appearance, but it wasn’t until I just let go a little, that I started to actually love what I saw in the mirror.

As I mentioned earlier, I try to love who I am now and work hard to become the person I want to be. This means putting in the effort and holding myself accountable for my goals. Some days, the last thing I want to do is work out or even take a walk. This is where “hard work” comes into play. You really have to push yourself in order to accomplish your goals. Remember, you reap what you sow. Try to set small and realistic goals. Doing so will prevent you from becoming discouraged and will excite and motivate you to keep going. Sometimes we fall into a slump called a Plateau Period. It is easy to become stagnant in your progress. It can be a struggle to get over this, but remember to be patient while slowly getting back into a routine. With all that said, try not to be so hard on yourself.

In the End

All in all, it may take time, but with patience and perseverance you can achieve a healthy lifestyle. Remember to properly fuel yourself, and stay active. Setting realistic goals and putting appearance in its place, will motivate and help you view yourself in a positive light.

Power to The Youth

October 21, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Teen Writers

By Emily Diaz

I went to my first protest with my aunt. She suggested we go to protest against the harassment and criminalization of black and brown trans individuals. At first, I was hesitant to attend any protests because of the pandemic but I reconsidered. I felt it’s important to support black trans men and women, and because we are living in a time where activism is crucial in order to spread awareness. This protest took place a couple of weeks after George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis. I was angry. I was angry at the continuous systematic oppression that is enforced by the police and protected by our government.

Day Before The Protest –

The whole week I felt as if everything that could go wrong this year, has gone wrong. After I heard about what happened to Breonna Taylor, I wanted to do more than sign petitions, I wanted to get up and do something. I downloaded Tik Tok and I was able to see protests from across the country using this platform. I saw things that no person of color should have to endure, or any person for that matter. So as soon as my aunt told me about a protest she planned on attending, and after careful consideration, I jumped on the opportunity. The night before the protest we stayed up till midnight making our signs, after trial and error we finally finished.

Day Of The Protest –

We met in the Belmont and Clark train stop and then started our journey. We walked for hours in the blazing sun but I didn’t mind because I was surrounded by people who also stand up and fight for black and brown trans rights, gotta love collective power. The protest we attended had a large group of people, some were passing out water bottles, extra masks, snacks and signs. Others took pictures of different signs that protesters had brought with them. We chanted, “hey, hey, ho, ho, the police department has got to go” and, “say his name, George Floyd”. There were people who looked out of their windows and cheered us on, and of course the side eyes from the Karens and Chads having brunch.

Overall Experience –

As a Gen Z, I believe it is important to go to protests and do whatever we can to support the black lives matter movement and strive for a better future for, not only our generation, but also for the next generations after us. It is time to get up and be civically engaged and participate in things like protesting because “not being racist” is not enough. Overall, being able to go to the protest (while also social distancing) was the greatest experience and I would do it again.

Sonnet in memoriam of a Squirrel

October 10, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Teen Writers

By: Nina Fonseca

On a cold November evening, I got a text from a friend.

T’was a request to hang out before the week’s end.

We were to meet at Joy Yee, a short walk from my home,

So I laced up my shoes and set out alone.

I walked quickly down my silent street,

The only sounds were my footsteps on concrete.

All of a sudden, I stopped in my tracks

I noticed a squirrel, lying still in my path.

What alignment of stars led me to this tragic scene?

Why, at this stage of life, should the squirrel and I convene?

I do not doubt that others had passed, and thought of vermin.

Thus it fell to me to oversee the squirrel’s internment.

I rang my friend to say I would be late, and she forgave.

Then I hurried home, in order to dig a grave.

Lack Luster Reaction of Getting Who You Want/Crushing

March 25, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Featured Artists, Teen Writers

By: KJ Royalty

Beauty undefined,

Just to be redefined,

Light Skin,

Natural,

Goddess on a pedestal,

Lips dripping’ honeydew,

Just to satisfy my sweet tooth,

Dark skin,

Plentiful,

Sun kissed melanin,

Empowered by enlightenment,

That caramel grin,

Full of sin,

Seeing you from afar is so pleasing,

But having you up close,

Has me stuck in this still pose,

I’m nervous,

Can’t speak a word,

You seemed to be perturbed,

I’m sorry but your beauty up close and personal,

Has my lungs jumping through hurdles,

I like you but it’s hard to talk to you,

So close yet so far away,

I got you stuck in my mental,

You got the juice,

And you know it,

All I think of is you,

But I can’t have you,

Wanting to do everything,

But since I was the side affection,

When others wasn’t doing right by you,

My heart flew,

But not to you,

But another,

Making my heart flutter,

Hearing that voice,

Feeling stuck in a void,

Just you and I,

Wanting you like the last slice of pie,

You were mine,

Until another time,

…

Your initials,

That’s all I can think of as a tattoo,

Though rejection,

Would leave permanent L’s etched into my skin,

I want you but do you want me?

Stuck in a mystery,

Seeing a picture of you,

Seeing you do you is suffocating,

As if you’re holding the noose,

Knowing my heart beats for you,

And no one else in the room,

I mean my office,

No my mental,

Love isn’t a rental,

But I’ll put you on a lease,

Not paid on time I’ll have to evict you,

“We can be friends…”

Can we..?

Survival of Our Generation

March 19, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Featured Artists, Teen Writers

By: Kj Royalty

Got something boggling my mental,

Have you ever just wanted to cock back the pistol,

And fire a couple shots to yo temple,

In the midst of the brainwashed,

Sometimes makes the train stop,

Instead of our fists held high,

They stay at our sides,

Or behind our back in cuffs,

Fighting against this pain,

Makes me wanna stand in the rain,

Hoping the next day would go my way,

Bust instead the world grows cold,

All everybody wants is to be bold,

Men tryna make these girls fold,

Women wishing to do what they are told,

But don’t..?

It’s confusing,

The generation where everybody is using,

Chasing fame,

Over being one in the same,

But won’t join up for unity,

Hop in the jag,

But when it comes to responsibility,

Doing the dash,

Type of generation,

I’m conceited,

So I bleed on anyone that isn’t on my side,

Type of generation,

But don’t want to face it,

Here is how to NOT to survive

Everytime I wake up,

I stay with all this pain tucked,

Stay having to wear this makeup,

To show that “I’m happy”,

Thought being where I am would be a remedy,

But instead it was just cuttin’ me,

Now I’m numb,

To the bone,

I can’t see full view,

Got me wondering what I’m missin’ too,

The path wasn’t replicated,

Layin’ in bed tryna get medicated,

Was on the rise,

No hesitation

Wiped the tears from my eyes,

Like I could make a statement,

The devil stares me in the eyes,

Fillin’ me with lies,
Like I could ever be this guy,

And I did.

The Moon Glows at an Unsteady Pace

March 16, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Featured Artists, Teen Writers

By: Candy Rico

The moon glows at an unsteady pace.

The wind blows caressing your face.

Your red cheeks show that you’re still alive,

that time is passing by.

Will you give your life another chance?

Or will you scare yourself? afraid that this moment will pass.

Remember that memories are made out of glass.

The seemingly clear surface can hide something heavy inside.

The thin and breakable glass can mean the whole world to someone trying to escape from the other side.

You can see the struggle and despair but it’s an untouchable barrier.

Don’t panic because I’m afraid your heart will race.

Beating in a second, letting the adrenaline escape.

The long lasting effects giving you a heart attack.

Beat like a heart no longer afraid to let the blood pass by.

Let the heavy disturbances stay out of your head.

The moon that glows at an unsteady pace,

Its light is caressing your face.

Your cheeks grow red as time goes by,

Becoming shy at the attention of the moon.

Don’t worry.

If you look up at the moon

You’ll see that it’s light affects your life

The stars are shining brightly

Just know

That you affect them too.

No matter where you go

They will be there

The moon glows at an unsteady pace

The light that caresses your face turns your cheeks red

Don’t become shy at the attention of the moon

Its light is loving you

If you look up at the moon you’ll see that there is light

Even though the darkness the night brings overtakes you in sleep

Remember that if you look up there will be light

So please remember

Look up when it’s night and your eyes become drowsy

There will always be a faint light

Wherever you go

Even in the shades of dark mountains

Maybe you can’t see it right now but trust me

It is always there,

In the darkness of the night.

Young Activist in this Generation

March 10, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Featured Artists, Teen Writers

By: Emily Macias

Some people might argue that my generation “sucks” you know because we’re constantly glued to our phones rather than paying attention to bigger issues. Or because the more technology improves, the more our social skills impair. Or maybe because of the fact that Trump is president (enough said). However, I beg to differ, I think our youth consists of plenty of teens who advocate and take a stand for change. What older generations don’t take into consideration is that all that time we spend on our phones, actually makes us even more aware of the issues that are happening across the world, like climate issues, the coronavirus outbreak, shootings that happen on a day to day basis due to the NRA’s lack of stricter regulations, and the continuation of racial oppression. So with that being said, here are some teens who have taken a call for action in our generation.

Greta Thunberg- Climate Change Activist

Climate Change activist Greta Thunberg is a 17 year old Swedish activist who is determined to better the environment and our planet for future generations. Before the young activist gained international recognition, she spent her school days sitting outside of parliament for stronger action on global warming. Thungerg wanted to raise awareness on how to improve our environment, she has demonstrated one way of doing so by suggesting that individuals reduce their carbon footprint. Thunberg has also gone on several public speakings mostly calling out world leaders who are responsible for our rapidly decaying planet. Thunberg later earned the Time’s person of the year in 2019 for her activism.

Greta Thunberg Rebukes World Leaders

Emma Gonzalez- Gun Control Activist

After the traumatic mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas high school, young activist Emma Gonzalez decided to advocate for gun control to make sure guns don’t get into the wrong hands. You might have heard of her by taking part in the student-led demonstration “March for our Lives” Where she gave a speech on preventing gun violence. Gonzalez participated on CNN’s Town Hall debate where she questions NRA (National Rifle Association) on banning fully automatic weapons. Emma continues to take a stance for gun control.

Emma Gonzalez questions NRA spokesperson

Xiye Batida – Climate Justice Activist

The 17 year old Mexican activist, Xiye Batida, suffered a terrible hurricane in San Pedro Tultepec, leaving her and her family no choice but to move to New York, and like Greta Thunberg, Xiye is committed to improving our environment. Xiye is a leader of a youth climate strike campaign called “Friday’s for Future”. The young activist wants people to acknowledge that pollution, heatwaves, wildfires, melting ice caps, floods, and hurricanes are indications that we need to enhance our deteriorating environment.

Xiye Bastida: Strike With Us

Amalda Stenberg – Social Activist

Young actress, singer, feminist and social activist, Amalda Stenberg adresses issues like racial oppression/inequality and culture appropriation that happens not only in society but in the Hollywood industry that influences our society. Amalda has shown her dedication to fight for a change in society through her activism throughout her career. Stenberg was named Ms. Magazine’s feminist of the year in 2015 and was included in Time’s list of Most Influential Teens in both 2015 and 2016. Amalda also participated in Oprah’s SuperSoul conversations at UCLA’s Royce Hall, where she speaks about the “importance of vulnerability and finding strength in your identity”. Furthermore, Amalda has also shown support for the #timesup movement which is a movement against sexual harassment.

Amalda Stenberg: Don’t Cash Crop On My Cornrows

Malala Yousafzai – Female Education Activist

Last but definitely not least, 2014’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist who advocates for female rights to education. Her activism started when she blogged about the Taliban’s influence in Pakistan. The Taliban is a political organization that banned girls education among other things like television, music and shopping. Despite the repercussions, Malala continued to blog about her experiences and demanded for girls to be allowed to receive education, which led to a Taliban gunman shooting Malala in her left eye. Thankfully, Malala survived the murder attempt. Despite their efforts to stop her activism, the Taliban only added fuel to the fire that drove Malala to continue to campaign for female’s rights to education. Malala then founded the Malala Fund along with her father that supported her activism. Malala then pursued her own education by attending Oxford college and is finishing her degree at Lady Margaret Hall.

High Power

March 10, 2020 by ChiTeenLitFest

Featured Artists, Teen Writers

By: Jersey Benjamin

God in three persons

Personable, a confusing quality to have

Because being personable means that people like you

And I don’t like that

Like you are being taken away from me

Taken away from us

But you are personable and I guess I am not

Because people don’t like me

They like you

And I wish I was like that but I’m not

I wish I cared more for what people had to say

Sometimes I do

I can be temporarily personable

But people don’t like me all the time

They like me when they need me

When I’m needed

I’m not sure if I like being needed

Because that means I have to provide

And when I can’t

I’m no longer liked

No longer needed

But God is not in three persons

He is in ten

Twelve

Fifteen

All of them

I am not God but I bet you are

Because you are personable

And I like that

But I don’t like you right now

So that means I don’t like me or Him

Why do I need you

Why don’t you need me.