8th Grade Epiphanies on Writing

Aarna, Ajooni, Ohm & Sahan • April 6, 2025

8th graders Aarna, Ajooni, Ohm, and Sahan reflect on the power of writing

After completing multiple sessions with Smart Solutions and being selected into the specialty center programs of their choice, 8th graders Aarna, Ajooni, Ohm, and Sahan reflect on the power of writing:

On Writing…

A piece of lead to shape your universe,

A keyboard to chase your dreams.

Maybe the answer is in a small notebook,

To write about all things seen.

To some it's a chance to escape reality,

And dive into a world of fairies and dragons.

It could bring you to witness a secret spy mission,

Or alien invasion.

You could venture through a magical forest,

Or explore all the oceans blue.

But some enjoy the truth,

Being omniscient of their surroundings.

From the green to the purple to the red,

They seek the answers to their “Why”s–

In a world full of wonder.

It can bring out emotions in others,

Convince them of the other side.

Perhaps it could prove a point,

Or just really sway your mind.

Writing is not just about words on paper,

It's truly about sharing a story.

Either to persuade, entertain, or inform,

It connects us all with the power to grow and learn.

It is a form of art,

That brings me closer to my heart.

And one day you can realize it will touch yours.

-Aarna, Grade 8, Moody Middle School

“The only way to write is to write.” Although these words by Jodi Picoult are simple, they represent a sincere truth. When I first began my journey as a writer, my abilities were restricted by self doubt. I wanted everything to be perfect before it even started. The blank page in front of me seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, and the singular thought constantly in my mind was whether my words would ever be satisfactory.

Over time, I came to learn that writing isn’t about perfection, it’s about progressing one word after the other. Through trial and error, I discovered that growth as a writer comes from consistent effort and the willingness to embrace imperfections. I realized that my first drafts were bound to be far from flawless, but they were a start. As I continued to improve my writing skills, I began to trust the process and allow myself the freedom to express my ideas without the worry of excellence.

Writing has taught me to find my true voice and have faith in my abilities as well as perspectives. It is through writing that I have not only grown as a writer and student, but also as a person. The more I write, the more I understand about myself and creative capabilities. Every word, every sentence, is another step on this writing journey of growth, and I look forward to where it will take me next.

-Ajooni, Grade 8, Moody Middle School

"Our species have been on this planet for quite a few years to come, but what is one thing that sets us apart from other creatures? It’s not like we have the strength of a lion, or camouflage skills of a chameleon, but rather our mind. And that mind has empowered us to create so many technologies and innovations. That one thing isn’t as broad or intricate as you think, but rather, it’s a language. A method to scribe symbols that make our brains think in a certain way and immediately know what to do.

This is the magic of writing, and it can empower us humans to do extraordinary tasks. Here at Smart Solutions, these wonderful tutors have taught me to make my writing powerful, moving, but also subtle, and make the audience really ponder on what they are reading. Writing is important in life because imagine you are the smartest human in the world and you know absolutely everything about Math, Science, History, and Geography. However, if you can’t express your knowledge, your value in society is zero.

Smart Solutions has done more than make me a better writer, it has made me a public speaker, poet, and person. Writing serves as a bridge between my thoughts, and the real world, and Smart Solutions has taught me how to harness this power. My writing has become more engaging, more flowy, and I have also gained a myriad of vocabulary. Unlike other centers, it has also taught me how to actually incorporate these skills into my writing. With the cherry on top, Smart Solutions also helped me get admission into Maggie L. Walker Governor's School. It is a great program and I have really grown a ton as a writer and I owe the world to this wonderful program.”

-Ohm P., Grade 8, Moody Middle School

Passion is always found, not created. It isn’t something you wake up one day and decide to embrace. You stumble upon it unexpectedly, and once you do, you’re hooked for life. Passion is the thing you are willing to dedicate yourself to every day, that feeling of happiness while you do it, something that takes your mind off of life, something you never get bored of; it’s something you truly love.

To me, that passion is writing. In school, we are always asked to write about ourselves; our goals, our ambitions, what we want to be when we grow up. The list goes on and on, but at the end of the day, it circles back as a repetitive and boring assignment. You can’t use the full extent of your imagination, and are limited to the restrictions set by your teacher. It shifted my perspective of this beautiful art, and I began to see writing as a chore rather than an enjoyable activity. However, that all changed when I had to write a fictional story in class. It was my eureka moment, the moment it all changed.

For the first time in my life, the constraints disappeared. I was free to roam in any imaginary world I dreamt of, to explore endless possibilities. Sure, my first ever story was far from perfect, but that didn’t matter, because I let my imagination escape the tight cage it was trapped in. Writing became more than just putting words on paper, it became a way of expressing everything I couldn’t say aloud, a way of turning my wildest ideas into something real. From writing a spinoff of my favorite series to creating my very own story, I knew writing was my passion.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. There were times when I questioned my ability, times when I couldn’t think of the perfect word to continue my narrative, times when I was so burnt out I felt like giving up. But that's the beauty of your passion. No matter how torn you feel, how lost you are, it always finds its way back to you. I realized that passion is like a seed, it grows with care, patience, and persistence.

As Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” I've learned that when you find what you love, what you truly, truly love, you will never have to force anything. No matter the setback, it will come back to you when you least expect it. You simply have to be willing enough to listen and let it unfold like a pathway in front of you.

-Sahan, Grade 8, Moody Middle School

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