“Engaging with youth-authored literature in school holds uttermost importance to me as it helps foster a platform where individuals like myself can discover valuable and authentic representation, thus helping foster a sense of belonging and empowerment in individuals like myself. As an aspiring author especially, delving into these works not only ignites my creative spirit, but also instills a sense of pride, knowing that young voices are being heard and celebrated.”

“Drawing inspiration from history's most influential creative advocates—Harper Lee, George Orwell, James Baldwin, to name a few—I've always tried to advocate for my experiences and beliefs through my writing. Yet, as a high school student, I've seldom had opportunities to share my ideas with a broad audience. Through Novelly Publishing's Rising Voices Collective, not only was my novella Red Status published to Novelly Publishing's platform, it was refined and elevated through close collaboration with mentors, editors, and even graphic designers. In addition, speaking to peers about Red Status and creative expression has allowed me to reinforce my novella's impact as an allegory against anti-Asian hate.”

“To publish The Royal with Two Faces is like a dream come true; a one in a million winning-lottery ticket for me. I never thought I'd publish anything close to an actual story at such a young age. Actually, to be honest, it always felt like it was something I dreamed of that would never happen...ever. So, to be publishing and speaking about a story that I wrote that captures so many important issues and lived experiences for me is truly surreal, and it opened my mind and heart up to what I've always known: I really am a writer and author.”