Sophomore Josue Bandala has always perceived himself as an amatuer writer. 

His preferred writing style is fiction of narrative stories, but he has never had the time for writing in his free time. 

“I would rather focus on writing fiction or a narrative rather than writing a research paper or an essay for a class,” Josue said. “Doing something for a class that is graded and dull does not suit me.”

His first impactful memory of literature was the assigned novels and essays for school. Books that Josue has read over the years created an interest for writing his own stories and the Effective Writing elective gave him the chance to write freely. 

“In my class, Josue was required to write a short memoir about a regretful decision,” English teacher Mr. Bryan Pol said. “Through his words, Josue commanded a sense of regret and sentimentality, while staying true to his family’s identity and language: he went from English to Spanish with tremendous fluency.”

The books Josue has read over the past year in 10th grade have inspired him the most. All his past English teachers have also inspired him, as they helped him mature his writing.

“They [the novels] have inspired me to write or think of writing,” Josue said. “Along with the teachers who have helped me improve my writing for essays which I am grateful for.” 

Josue is currently taking Effective Writing, but has not been involved in any other writing classes in school or in his free time.