Shortform is anything but easy. This 10 day challenge took me way longer than 10 days. The process was a learning curve, inspirational, and took a lot of editing. Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. A major takeaway was learning how to write concise, detailed, and meaningful posts (which I’m still learning). The prompts ignited my creativity and drive during writer’s block. Before, I thought article length mattered more. Now, I think shortform is a smart move. It caters to the limited time that many of today’s readers have. Lengthy articles are great, but shortform provides readers something quick and thought-provoking to engage with on-the-go. As a bonus, I
The answer to this question is ever changing. First, the facts. My degree is in Education and English and I work in a school. I live in the United States and would love to travel. My family means the most to me. Most days I take pictures of the sky and stare as planes fly overhead. I’m fascinated by Earth and space. I’m always open to literature suggestions. Writing is my passion and I’m experimenting on Medium. I’m also exploring tarot cards and spirituality. My other interests are music, animals, women’s health, veganism, our environment, and learning as much as possible. Beach volleyball is my favorite sport. Like the rest
The Internet is a wild place, of which I am cautious. Technology has the power to advance the medical field, space exploration, education, etc. We carry around a wealth of information. People can connect with, or stay connected to, loved ones. But the Internet can make people lazy. We no longer retain as much information because there is no need. People become disconnected from the world around them. Cyberbullying is a major issue. So how much is too much? And how can we tell the difference between utilizing technology for our own good and becoming so dependent that we lose touch with humanity? What it means to be human will
There is a lot for which I am thankful. My loved ones. Bonded through blood and friendship. These people are amazing. Food on the table, a roof over my head, and clean water. Don’t take these for granted. A cozy night by a fire with a book, cuddly animals, and hot tea. The sunrise, sunset, moon, sun, and stars. Look around more. The world is incredible. My favorite show, The Challenge (yes, it’s a guilty pleasure I look forward to weekly). Everyone who follows and supports me on Medium. This has been scary, but you are all extremely appreciated. While the list above is not everything, it
The year is 1782, 66 years before the Seneca Falls Convention. Deborah Sampson disguises herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. Before joining the military, Sampson was an indentured servant. She was self-taught and went on to be a teacher. When she left the military, she became the first woman to conduct a tour of lectures across America and the only woman in the Revolutionary Army to receive a full military pension. Sampson is a powerhouse and a true inspiration. There are many events I don’t feel I am brave enough for, but none of them compare to pretending to be a man to fight in a man’s
Have you ever felt unheard or unnoticed? Here was this young high school student yelling and frustrated. He refused to complete any work and rebelled against authority. I work in classrooms and I see the struggles that high school students go through. Many educators, and parents/guardians for that matter, assume teenagers have it so easy. They forget how it feels to process so many “firsts”, and they don’t realize how quickly some of these kids have had to grow up. People get lost in the sea of teenagers and forget that each one has an individual story. So I pulled the student aside, and instead of demanding he do
What online platform do I use the most? Before Medium, I would have said a generic answer like Instagram or YouTube. Truth is, I never felt like I found my place amongst the online world. You might get a post out of me every 3 months if you’re lucky. Hell, I’m even writing this after finishing a chapter in a hardcover book. Gasp . But Medium feels like home. A media platform created with me in mind. Designed for the ‘behind the scenes thinkers’ and ‘artists needing to express’. People who don’t want the focus to be on themselves but rather on their creations. There are so many stories and worlds to
Dear younger me, I am almost positive you are expecting me to tell you to take a different path, make other choices, and change everything. Truth is, you did it well. You played your part and we are here today because of you. Through the heartaches, memories, and decisions that led to our proudest moments, I wouldn’t ask you to change a thing. Well, maybe there is one thing . Start writing more and earlier. Stop caring what people think. Be weird, honest, and unapologetically you. Not everyone will enjoy your words, but you do and that’s what matters most. While we are on the subject, stop doing what
There are a million ways to die. You can be afraid of anything. But, I’m pretty sure this has never appeared on Fear Factor before. Ever have water ‘go down the wrong pipe’ and choke on droplets and air? You can drown in just a few teaspoons of water. It’s called dry drowning . While this is more common in children, and adults tend to grow out of it, there is still a fatal chance. So, the next time you are gasping for air and trying to play it cool, just remember you are in a life or death situation. Most likely you’ll be okay, maybe embarrassed, but okay. Moral
“ While we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one ” (Dumbledore – “Goblet of Fire”). I am young and immersed in the cinematic world of Harry Potter . Dumbledore greets students with these words and I vow to never forget them. It’s the last year of high school, and I have chosen this as my senior quote. People laugh, but they do not know the comfort and content that Harry Potter brings me. Years later, I say this quote to my students. There are a million differences amongst us, but what connects humanity? Our love, passion, and heart. Everyone goes