As we continue into month 10 of this pandemic, our young people are struggling more than ever. Studies show that youth are experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression during this extended period of disconnection. In addition, we are just beginning to understand the depth of the learning loss and academic challenges these young people will face. At 916 Ink, we never stopped successfully delivering creative writing instruction to students that helps them navigate difficult social-emotional terrain and stay engaged with academic attitudes. The long-term benefits of 916 Ink can be significant and life changing.
916 Ink alum Angelica Vera-Franco knows something about that. Angelica told us that when she first got involved with 916 Ink as a 9th grade student at Arthur A. Benjamin Health Professions High School, “I didn't think I had anything good to say."
However, she quickly fell in love with writing with 916 Ink. “It was a break from everything, and I got to let out everything I had in my mind. It was a safe place." When Angelica began experiencing mental health struggles, writing was there for her as a positive outlet. She learned that she could pour her feelings onto the page and help her process.
“916 Ink helped me believe that my voice does matter. And that what I do have to say can be expressed in a poem or on paper.”
Angelica kept coming back to 916 Ink at her school for each of the four years she attended. Now she's in her first year at Sac State, studying biology. She still writes nearly every day. She says that the writing skills and habits that she learned through 916 Ink help her work through her feelings and unwind from the stress of her studies.
This work will be even more critical in the coming months.
Your tax-deductible, year-end gift will help ensure that we are able to continue providing workshops to the students who need them most. Will you help with a donation now? Thank you for supporting and helping students like Angelica thrive!
