Traces of John Young's Mind in 2005
Class of 2004

Ok, what years were you in the Literary Magazine?
2000-2004

Why did you join?
I joined lit mag because I have always enjoyed writing. Writing provided a positive way through which I was able to help me through difficult teen issues that I was experiencing during a depression in 9th grade. From my experience, I wanted to be part of a positive way to handle teen issues with creativity.

How many of your pieces were put into the literary magazine?
Since 9th grade, about 15 of my poems have been published in the literary magazine.

How was litmag different with Mrs. Murphy than with Mrs. Gardner?
Ms. Gardner took a big step from Murphy by doing all of the layout and typing on the computer so that it was a more streamline process. G brought more students into the staff and allowed the students to take a more active role in the staff.

How do you feel you've helped the litmag during your time there?
As editor-in-chief and as a published poet in the lit mag, I believe that I established a good example of being a reliable active member of staff. I also believe my writing and the influence it has had on other published writers for lit mag has created some credibility and depth to the material presented in the lit mag, aside from the regular teen drama. I was an integral part of staff while Murphy still was the sponsor and I helped G to transition the staff and learn from Murphy's way.

What was the environment like? How did it change over the years?
The environment was very friendly and open, after G took over more students became involved, and it became less of a stressful environment b/c the students had greater control and therefore were more motivated. It became our magazine.

Was Mrs. Murhpy really that tough?
Murphy expected a certain amount of dedication from the staff, yet did not have as friendly relationships with students. Her demeanor turned some students off, but she often appears tougher than she really was; she helped to put out a quality magazine every year. G, as a younger teacher, shares more in common w/ the staff and has been pretty effective at dealing w/ the staff.

What else would you like to say about the litmag?
Lit mag was a great experience for me in high school. I made very good friends through lit mag, and feel i gained valuable experience that shall I hope will be beneficial in terms of being a student leader, and creative individual w/ society. The quality of writing continues to improve every year, and I believe that the staff is in good hands w/ G at the helm and reliable individuals such as Jade Cheng, who deserves to be recognized for the work she has put into this site.

What are your future goals and has has the literary magazine influenced those goals if at all?
I plan on continuing to write and improve my writing, in college I hope to join the lit mag staff be published and take a leadership position, career plan to become an English teacher and actually be the faculty advisor for lit mag (the influence is pretty self explanatory)...develop my writing skills to become a well known poet that maybe will influence some one to start writing like I did, and start through lit mag.