To Be Great

To Be A Great- 

Finish the sentence with whatever you would like to be great in. 

I have heard time and time again that "to be a great writer, I must-read." Initially hearing that I wanted to associate that with studying, and like some, I'm not a big fan of studying. Now that I think about it, I shouldn't have felt that way.

Why, because it wasn't supposed to feel like studying. It should have been me understanding that I need to build on my craft and to build on my craft I need to understand those who have come before me in the writing industry. 

Another misconception on that saying is that you should only read the classics. I mean they are classics for a reason, right? But don't just read the classics, read current, read history, read poetry, read movie scripts. All in all, read whatever you can get your hands on. 

This doesn't just pertain to being a great writer. To be a great artist in any medium you have to understand the past and the present, while also anticipating the future. By grasping a greater understanding, you can shape your work a little differently while finding a stronger voice for yourself within your chosen industry.  

T. Neal | Cambridge, MD 

Disclaimer: Fenix Youth Project Inc. supports young writers and their voices and providing them with a platform to submit think pieces, poetry, short stories, and also reflect on experiences and program events. All blog posts are reviewed by the Executive Director, Amber Green. Blog posts are the opinions and reflections of writers and do not represent the organization as a whole. Questions and comments can be emailed to ambergreen@fenixyouthproject.org. 

COVID-19 Precautions

Young Lifestyle

Every day more and more things begin to open up, as the world tries to fall back into the flow of things before COVID. While some of us may be ready, others are not accepting of the fact that this is happening. 

A lot of people think it is too soon or that the government is just trying to get back to making their money. I don't disagree with these notions. I personally am impartial in this matter. I like to believe that maybe it is time for things to get back to "normal”, but I also believe that some decisions are being made simply because the government wants to get back to profiting off of their people. 

Whichever way you decide be mindful of those who may not agree with it. Consider the fact that some people are not ready, and they still hold the fear that they may catch COVID. 

Then remember if you're not ready to go out, then you are not obligated to. Don't sacrifice your mental state to please others or follow the crowd of people into the malls, stores, and restaurants. You work this out on your own time, and with time hopefully, you are ready to step back into the world.

Differences of opinions happen in these situations, and that's okay. If you are stepping back out into the world or you absolutely have to go out, take the government recommended precautions. 

·       Continue practicing social distancing. 

·       Wear your masks when going into a building. 

·       Avoid big crowds. 

·       Wash and sanitize your hands often (Sanitizer should not be used in place of handwashing). 

·       If you're sick stay home.

All in all, just be mindful of those around you as the world begins to once again open up. Stay safe out there.

 T. Neal | Cambridge, MD

Disclaimer: Fenix Youth Project Inc. supports young writers and their voices and providing them with a platform to submit think pieces, poetry, short stories, and also reflect on experiences and program events. All blog posts are reviewed by the Executive Director, Amber Green. Blog posts are the opinions and reflections of writers and do not represent the organization as a whole. Questions and comments can be emailed to ambergreen@fenixyouthproject.org. 

What Does it Take to be a Decent Human Being?

It costs nothing to be a decent human being. 

You most likely read that in your head, but this time I want you to say it out loud. Repeat after me: It costs nothing to be a decent human being. 

I have heard this statement so much in my life, and it is one of the truest statements that I have ever heard. I mean think about how much money you have spent simply by smiling at someone or considering their feelings. The truth is if you just think about it, you'll see that being a decent human is really just the bare minimum. 

Something so simple as a smile could trigger a chain of events that can change more than one person's day.

After reading this I want you to make a creative piece based on what makes you a decent human being. It doesn't have to be big; it could be something so simple as holding open the door for someone or helping a neighbor carry in their groceries. 

Whatever it is that makes you a decent human being express that using your choice of medium. After you've expressed yourself, reflect on it. Ask yourself, "What new things can I do that will continue to make me a decent human being?"

Remember it really does cost nothing.  

T. Neal | Cambridge, MD 

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Disclaimer: Fenix Youth Project Inc. supports young writers and their voices and providing them with a platform to submit think pieces, poetry, short stories, and also reflect on experiences and program events. All blog posts are reviewed by the Executive Director, Amber Green. Blog posts are the opinions and reflections of writers and do not represent the organization as a whole. Questions and comments can be emailed to ambergreen@fenixyouthproject.org.