Cherry Creek Schools issued the following announcement on Nov. 30.
Getting lost in a good story can be therapeutic, which is why many people appreciate a good book or movie to escape into for a short time. Getting lost in a story where you’re in control can feel even better.
As freshmen, Cherry Creek High School students Amelia Russell and Genevieve Holliday started the school’s Creative Writing club to offer a space to share and connect with other writers. As seniors, the students continue to be excited to share their love of words with others.
“It’s incredible to connect with people who share your interest,” Holliday said. “You can discuss in-depth techniques or exercises you want to try in a way that not everyone might understand.”
The students’ love of the written word started early. Holliday recalls her grandmother telling stories about piano-playing cats and cowboys in the forest. Russell fell in love with the “Harry Potter” series and found it inspirational. Both women agreed that writing could be incredibly cathartic.
“Writing is a great stress reliever,” Russell said. “I can create a world where COVID-19 isn’t real, where I can be creative and in control and step away from the craziness of life.”
This outlet has become critical for Russell and Holliday and other students as they seek out ways to cope with the omnipresent emotions and stress people are likely feeling. They encourage others to try creative writing or journaling, and remember to be kind to themselves as they start a new journey.
“I think it’s important to remember that the first thing you write is rarely the brilliant gem that you want it to be,” Holliday said. “You could write something perfectly the first time and it’s perfect and then you’re famous...but that’s not really fun. You actually feel better when you write something terrible that you can fix and make better.”
The women recommend practicing writing in different genres, using different journaling techniques and trying other ways to experiment with writing as an activity. They say that people might try once and give up, never learning how rewarding they find it.
“You never know until you try,” Russell said. “Imagine a world where some of the greatest books weren't written because someone was afraid or uncertain. That could be you.”
Original source can be found here.
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