The Writing Across Communities program at St. John’s University hosted the Spring Youth Writers’ Conference—which focused on the power of writing, self-expression, and connection—on April 28 on the Queens, NY, campus. More than 50 high school students and chaperones from the High School for Community Leadership in Jamaica, NY, participated.
Students attended small group writing workshops and an afternoon panel on college writing with diverse voices from current St. John’s undergraduate students. Workshops were led by expert writing faculty from the First-Year Writing program in the Department of Core Studies in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students enjoyed writing creatively and sharing their writing with peers.
Of the high school students, Jacqueline H. Grogan, Ed.D., M.B.A., Associate Provost for Enrollment Partnerships and Engagement, noted, “Their energy level is always contagious!”
Many were involved in making this event happen. Dr. Grogan stated: “I’m thankful to so many people for this wonderful, enriching, and interactive event, especially the principal of the High School for Community Leadership, Carlos Borrero; Tamara Issak, Ph.D., Director, Writing Across Communities, and Associate Professor, First-Year Writing, Department of Core Studies; the St. John’s faculty who volunteered their time; and all the support personnel. Dr. Issak had a vision for this event, and everyone worked together to make it a success.”
This was the first time this conference was held at St. John’s University. Dr. Issak explained the motivation for organizing the conference, stating, “So many students enter the First-Year Writing class believing they are not good at writing or that they will never enjoy writing, and we aimed to create a conference that engaged students in writing that sparks joy and enthusiasm.”
“The conference gave me hope and inspiration to continue writing,” said Abigail Cruz, a high school junior. “During the workshop, I realized I enjoy freewriting.”
“We want students to recognize writing as a tool for learning about themselves and the world, and to see writing as a way to share their voices and impact change,” Dr. Issak said. “We are encouraged by the students’ enthusiasm and hope to host this program again in the future.”