Every year, students taking Mrs. Boyd’s creative writing class at Norwin High School have the opportunity to have their writing be featured in the school’s literary magazine, AEONS. The magazine features short stories, poems, creative nonfiction, and plays, all of which are independently written and voted on by students in their respective classes.
This year, pieces from fourteen first semester students and many from the second semester will be featured in AEONS that the community can read and enjoy once the print issue comes out in the spring.
Lexi Galdo
One of these featured students is Lexi Galdo, whose poem, In the S p a c e you Left, was one of two poems to be voted into the magazine in her class.
Below, Lexi discusses her writing process and inspiration for her poem and her writing in general.
Lexi’s poem can be read using the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13oP4biWMQNf3o-uiRW5_IiXyHKeqwVZpiiAZ8PYvlRg/edit
Q: What topics did you focus most on in your writing?
A: Most of my writing centers on mental health and my personal life experiences. I strive to incorporate metaphors and symbolism, inviting readers to connect emotionally while interpreting the work in their own unique ways. I like to focus on what the piece makes the reader feel and what deep topic they would reflect on and think more about. A lot of my pieces are also about realization, whether that’s self realization or realization with other people, events, mindsets, etc.
Q: What were your biggest inspirations for the pieces you wrote?
A: My greatest inspiration has always been my older sister and the bond we share as well as my own personal life journey. My sister played an essential role in raising me emotionally and has been a guiding force throughout my life. Her unwavering love and influence have left a profound imprint on my writing, shaping many of my pieces. But along with that, I went through personal struggles that I like to incorporate into my writing. I’m very passionate about mental health so I like to use abstract ways to show that in words.
Q: Which piece(s) of yours got voted into AEONS, and was it the piece you were most proud of?
A: This year, my poem In The S P A C E You Left was voted into AEONS. While I’m incredibly proud of this accomplishment, the piece that holds the most personal significance for me is my short story, Build Me A God, Then We’ll Talk.
In The S P A C E You Left reflects deeply on my relationship with my sister. The poem captures the joyful innocence of our childhood together and the ways she shaped my life as a role model. As the poem progresses, it explores how time inevitably changes relationships, leaving a bittersweet “empty space” in the timeline of shared experiences.
The poem’s structure is an essential part of its impact—it’s a contrapuntal piece that can be read in three different ways. While the visual design enhances its appeal, it’s the raw emotion behind the words that truly resonates. Unlike many of my other works, this poem wasn’t meticulously edited or polished. It was a deeply personal, unfiltered expression of my thoughts, which makes it all the more meaningful.
Emma Reese
Emma Reese is another student whose writing will be featured in AEONS this spring with her short story “Operation Coffee” and her poem “Fly on the Wall”.
Operation Coffee can be read using the link below and read along with her poem in AEONS when the print issue comes out!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VNszfYM8EPCGP4xdhjlCHYOSJrKi3Z2JCFf88ouvXqI/edit
Q: Which pieces of yours were voted into AEONS?
A: My short story entitled “Operation Coffee” and poem entitled “Fly on the Wall” were voted into AEONS.
Q: How would you describe your creative process? Where do you find your inspiration?
A: The creative process is definitely one that takes time and dedication. I usually pulled inspiration from current events from my life or things that have been on my mind. For example, the setting and backstory behind my short story is of a college freshman at Duke University with a goal to find coffee that reminds her of the coffee her mom used to make special for her. In my own life, I’m in my senior year of high school and grappling with the future where my family isn’t nearby. For the setting, I toured Duke over the summer, so it was fresh in my mind.
Q: What was your favorite piece you wrote in Creative Writing?
A: My favorite piece was probably the short story, because it was my first time creating a journal-style piece for the class.
Q: What aspect of your writing in the Creative Writing class are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of the ways my writing has developed over the course of my high school career. I took this class my freshman year as well, and my writing has grown so much since then.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about writing creatively and the Creative Writing class as a whole?
A:The class is a great break from some of the more intense, work heavy classes I have in my schedule.
Q: Do you think you will continue writing creatively in the future?
A:I think I will definitely continue creative writing in the future at whatever college I attend. It’s an effective way to relax and write about whatever is on my mind.
Nina Labby
Implementing elements of the horror genre, Nina Labby’s play, “Friend”, will be another featured piece this spring in AEONS. You can read Labby’s piece digitally as well before the print issue comes out using this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16LtRLRzcXaPMOhkYpiZaQeK3NNH-v4IrpppJ9j1nnho/edit
Labby discusses her unique inspiration and feelings on her piece in the following Q&A.
Q: What piece of yours was voted into AEONS and what was the inspiration behind it?
A: My piece was a play called “Friend”. My inspiration behind this piece was partly inspired by the movie, “The Babadook” which is a horror film.
Q: Did you struggle writing this piece at all? Why?
A: I wouldn’t say I struggled but it was a bit frustrating having to reminder what parts of my play to italicize, bold or put in quotes.
Q: Why do you think this piece was voted into AEONS over other pieces?
A: I honestly have no idea; it was one of my weaker pieces haha! Maybe because it had a creepy factor and an open-ended conclusion?
Q: Beyond this piece, what other inspiration went into your writing?
A: I have just always preferred writing about something scary or fear inducing for some reason. I really enjoy scary movies and thrillers.
Q: How did taking creative writing help you grow as a writer overall?
A: It allows me to express my ideas for films or pieces into an outlet and create something that is original.
Malena DeJesus
Freshman Malena DeJesus’s short story “Reborn” will also be featured. Here is a link to her story: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fhd7iVqYH6_vzpOGgBBtieMNy35Y33G5FU1NCCaxHyE/edit
Q: What topics did you focus most on in your writing this year of Creative Writing?
A: This year in creative writing, I mainly focused on deep forms of writing concerning love, loss, and passion for life.
Q: What were your biggest inspirations for the pieces you wrote?
A: My biggest inspirations for the pieces I wrote are taken from multiple aspects of my life.
Q: What were your biggest struggles while writing your short story?
A: Writing this piece, I mostly struggled with deciding how to implement interactions between characters and indirectly characterizing my two main characters: Marnie and Elyse.
Q: What was your piece that you wrote this year in the Creative Writing class that you were most proud of?
A: The piece I was most proud of was my free verse poem “The Circle of Heritage”. It concerns my heritage of being both Latina and European and how I value the culture, dynasty, and history of Japan. (Especially Studio Ghibli!)
Q: What do you enjoy the most about writing creatively and the Creative Writing class as a whole?
A: As a whole, I believe my favorite aspect of creative writing was writing my pieces as indie, coffee bar music lingered in the background. The atmosphere inspired me to think deep into my senses and write to my fullest extent. I am so proud of the opportunity I have been given to be featured in AEONS, and I support my fellow writing students at NHS!
Lanna Haines
Junior Lanna Haines will have two pieces voted into the upcoming edition of AEONS; Both her short story “Merry Little Christmas” and her creative nonfiction piece “Peonies”. Through this link, you can read “Peonies”: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1VD2hKEoiEv0cTtsTm3hqgZCIXVuz1Y4g/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword
Q: What topics did you focus most on in your writings this year of Creative Writing?
A: The topics I focused most on were those that I had personal experience with. In my fiction pieces, particularly, I blended together people and events in my own life to create fantasy stories that held reality.
Q: What were your biggest inspirations for the pieces you wrote?
A: My biggest inspiration was my mom. Starting at a very young age, she read me literary works that were far beyond my years. I have been exposed to many genres and styles of writing, so I found my voice as a writer early in life. In the case of my fiction piece, I was inspired by the Christmas song that brings on an array of strong feelings for me, as well as the passing of a family member on Christmas Eve. My nonfiction piece came naturally and was loosely based on the format of other motif works I have read.
Q: Did you struggle writing your pieces at all? Why?
A: For both pieces, the most difficult part was deciding how much information I wanted to add while also moving the storylines along. Both included narratives that sprawled over a long period of time, and I did not want to miss crucial details.
Q: What piece that you wrote in this year of Creative Writing are you most proud of?
A: My favorite piece that I wrote was my creative nonfiction. I enjoyed sharing my nostalgia with others and illustrating the beauty within my family that is a constant in my life. Every family member who read it got emotional, so I felt accomplished in my recollection of our relationships.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about writing creatively and the Creative Writing class as a whole?
A: Creative freedom in writing is so refreshing, especially compared to the rigorous criteria involved in every other class. It is important for students to explore their creative voice and not always confine themselves to expectations. Listening to my classmates develop a consistent voice and allow their vulnerability to be visible was something I always looked forward to and admired about the class.
Ruby Fusca
Junior Ruby Fusca’s poem titled “Sonder” and creative nonfiction titled “5 Stages of Grief” will also be featured in the upcoming editions of AEONS. Here is a link to her poem “Sonder”, a poetic exploration of the shared human experience: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1nS09M_JawwKRcSE8l62Qb7-OR_qwKrUV/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword
Q: What was your piece that you were most proud of?
A: I was very proud of my poem “Sonder”. I really wanted to write something that students felt interconnected with. I also taught Mrs. Boyd and several other people a new word, Sonder. My inspiration for the piece was to bring people together and to have people realize that everyone has a complex life just like your own. I feel as if often we get so caught up in ourselves and our worries, that we need to step back and see that we all go through hardships. We are all more alike than different, and it’s a blessing to be a part of one another’s stories.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about writing creatively and the Creative Writing class as a whole?
A: Creative writing is a great class that lets you express yourself and build your writing skills. If anyone has thoughts about taking creative writing with Mrs. Boyd, I would 100% suggest it. Not only is it a fun class but it makes you a more well-rounded person and gives you freedom to voice your feelings and meet new people!
