2014 in Review

What a year it's been for the writer! There's so much to write about and so much to think about from events in pop culture, world news, and the frontier of science that catches even the less sentimental of us in reflection on the events of the year. From INSPIRE OC students and young writers everywhere, there's a lot to inspire awe over. I've been given poems and stories this year about feelings on the widest range of emotions you can think of; I've cried with them, laughed with them, explored uncharted territory, felt their fear, adventured vicariously through their works. It's a gift and an honor that we're able to give kids a voice here. Students of ours have been contributing through various platforms and our many programs that we've launched this year, and that's the biggest accomplishment we can think of.

Getting kids to stand on a platform and open us into their worlds is one of the hardest things I've ever undertaken or attempted to do. This year, the kdis I've met and worked with have done incredible things in such a short time- the tight-lipped began to speak, and when they gifted us with their offerings the world stopped for a while. It's been a trying journey but one that has changed my life, and I hope sincerely has impacted theirs. Whatever age you are, or whatever your story is, we want to devote our sophomore year on the web to getting your voice heard. Stay updated for your chance to contribute to the blog, be a part of our program, or take part in our many activities! We have so much to give, and we've just gotten started! And as for 2014- we can't say anything more than a very heartfelt thank-you to our readers, participants, and young writers and students who let their voices fly free and join the larger human voice, to those who seek to discover the essence of creativity and the power of writing. We're looking forward to diving deeper into our exploration of the human condition at all levels in the coming year- happy 2015 to the INSPIRE OC community!