My Journey as a Creative Writer with YAC
My love for writing began as a 9-year-old girl in a small town in North Carolina. It was a place where dreams felt distant, but I found a sanctuary in words. That’s when I first encountered the power of writing at a camp called the Young Authors Club (YAC). At the time, it felt like a fun summer activity, but looking back, I realize that YAC ignited a lifelong passion within me—one that still burns brightly today.
YAC wasn’t just any ordinary camp. It was a space where I could explore my imagination freely, where words became powerful tools to express my inner world. I remember vividly the first stories I wrote, filled with adventure, emotion, and a sense of curiosity that only a child can bring. That camp gave me the confidence to believe in my voice and showed me the beauty of storytelling. It’s amazing to think that the Young Authors Club is still nurturing young writers today, just as it did for me.
As a young writer, I never imagined that those early days in YAC would set the stage for my future. Writing became my outlet, my way of making sense of the world, and a companion in times of solitude. It was during those years that I realized how powerful words could be—not just for entertainment but for understanding myself and others.
Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say I’ve stuck with writing. I am now a multimedia journalist with a bachelor’s degree in journalism! My path hasn’t always been easy as I was silenced and distanced myself from writing. There were times I doubted I would make it this far. But every step of the way, I’ve carried the lessons I learned at YAC with me.
YAC helped shape my career in journalism, giving me the foundation to become a storyteller in a new medium. Whether reporting the news at Sam Houston State, crafting an article, or writing a feature, I bring the same passion that began in those early days of writing camp. It’s surreal to think how far I’ve come, and I owe so much of my journey to the Young Authors Club for sparking that initial love.
Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude. YAC didn’t just teach me how to write—it taught me how to believe in myself as a writer. That belief has carried me through my academic journey, through moments of self-doubt, and into a career I’m passionate about. I hope to continue sharing my love for writing with the world, just as YAC did for me.
To anyone with a love for storytelling or a desire to explore their creative voice, I encourage you to nurture that passion. You never know where it might lead. If a young girl from Elizabeth City, N.C. can turn her camp stories into a career, there’s no telling what you can achieve with the power of words.
Thank you, YAC, for being the birthplace of my writing journey. Here’s to many more stories to come!
