On the Cover
By Tess, age 15, Florida
Cover photo (by Tess's boyfriend Nick): "He is the light in my darkness ..."
As a child about to enter kindergarten, I remember being convinced that everyone was going to know how to read except me. My little feet scampered over to my father's room, and with tiny hands on tiny hips, I told him that he had to teach me how to read. A bit flustered, my father laughed. I gave him a stern look, and far more flustered than before, he got an old book by Dr. Seuss. Through trials and tribulations, I finally learned how to read, and I haven't stopped since. From reading I have developed imagination, and from imagination, writing has become my greatest passion. Writing is the only thing that can keep the world from crashing down upon me. I write to live and I live to write.
I want to study at NYU with a major in creative writing, and I hope to have my books on the shelves one day. This is my dream, and I will do anything to achieve it.
Other than following my dreams, I am just a typical teenage girl. I am a very outgoing girl, and I tend to be the loudest one in the room. I love my boyfriend. He is the light in my darkness and I love everything he has saved me from. My friends are my support, and I have no idea what I would do without them. I love going to the movies, and I love having adventures. I love going out of my way to try something new. Whether it's eating an exotic food or riding the scariest roller coaster in the world, one will probably find me trying it. I love to laugh, and I believe laughter is the true medicine for all pain. I am a hopeless romantic, and I believe love is the foundation of existence. Though I am a romantic, I don't believe one can find love hiding in a sunset. I believe true love comes from true experience.
I write for Sweet Designs because not only is it a way to get my name out there, but it makes me feel good knowing there are other girls who can share my pain and my happiness. With SDM, I know I'm not alone.
I am a very straightforward person, and I refuse to let anyone tell me "I can't." I live life to the fullest, and I don't think there is a limit on my dreams. I try not to regret my actions, for every action is a step towards the path of my dreams. I refuse to be put down and I refuse to be held back. Whether I have to walk, run, crawl, or sprint, I will achieve my dreams.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart."
- Helen Keller
- Helen Keller
Editor's Note: Tess contributed four poems to the February issue, listed below. I encourage you to also check out her original short story "Heaven on Earth", posted last month, based on her recollections as a 7 year old of a New York City snowfall. It's very well written. Enjoy!
As Time Goes By
Forever We're Together
Fairytales
Wind and Fire
