The assignment asked students to describe a place they had never been—real or imagined—using sensory language to capture setting, atmosphere, and emotion. Chanel’s poem, Alice’s Dream, is brimming with creative imagery.

This exercise was about presence: how to see and feel through words. Chanel used sight and scent to establish tone, then layered sound and movement to draw readers deeper into the dream. Her use of enjambment (letting thought spill from one line to the next) added flow, mirroring the unfolding journey she describes.

Her tearoom, fragrant with jasmine and honey, becomes a portal where sound, scent, and texture create a world just beyond reach. The image of “a bridge of sugar cubes” and “a spoon sailing across the cream” carries both delicacy and sentiments reminiscent of “Wonderland.” Through these lines, she built a complete environment—whimsical, coherent, and alive with curiosity.

She demonstrated command of imagery, improved syntax, and growing confidence in her creative risk-taking. More importantly, rather than try to tame her imagination, she allowed it to inspire her.

Chanel F. is an eighth-grade student studying abroad in Italy. She thrives in multicultural classrooms, developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. An avid reader and aspiring writer, she enjoys exploring history and literature.

Chanel strengthens her communication skills through journaling and creative projects as an Emerging Voices ambassador for transformational activism with the Arbor of the Vine multi-media hub. She has a strong interest in music and art, and regularly contributes to group activities with a collaborative, positive approach.

Living overseas has helped her develop resilience and cultural awareness, which she applies to both academic work and personal goals. Chanel is committed to honesty, compassion, and continuous learning, and she looks forward to pursuing new extracurricular opportunities in high school.

Read more from Chanel

Make it yours!

The Emerging Voices Summer Vibes Pilot Program served as an introduction. The first week was all about the blank page: who am I, and what does it mean to express my truth? That question became an anchor to the unwritten.

In week two, we had turned a wheel of emotions, putting names to the currents some choose to ignore. By the third week, we found confidence, a willingness to pick up the pen when our voice feels unsteady. We worked with sentence starters and character swaps, conveying courage in our expressions.

The final week called for endurance. We set deadlines, marked progress on workflow schedules, and considered what it means to take writing from draft to submission. Students began to see their voices as something they could shape, revise, and prepare for an audience.

In workshop after workshop, we watched hesitation give rise to voices that carried weight. A strength unencumbered by technical polish, but shared with honesty, a willingness to be heard, and written without apology.

It’s that journey you’ll hear in Chanel’s poem—identity, emotion, and process. Her progress over perfection reveals how much ground can be covered in four weeks. She does not disguise the doubt or erase the struggle. Nothing is hidden in the margins; we see the full arc of her growth in lines that expand with confidence.

As a Youth Writers’ Guild Ambassador, Chanel’s poem will be the ceremonial feature at the 2025 Emerging Voices Showcase & Reunion, commencing a new phase for writers as they begin to trust their voice and creative potential.

To Prosperous Journeys,

Jenny Cline

Leveraging 20 years of experience, Jenny Cline is the Program Director of Emerging Voices. She creates inclusive spaces for young writers, amplifying underrepresented voices through storytelling, workshops, and mentorship.

Chanel F. is an eighth-grade student studying abroad in Italy. She thrives in multicultural classrooms, developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. An avid reader and aspiring writer, she enjoys exploring history and literature.

Chanel strengthens her communication skills through journaling and creative projects as an Emerging Voices ambassador for transformational activism with the Arbor of the Vine multi-media hub. She has a strong interest in music and art, and regularly contributes to group activities with a collaborative, positive approach.

Living overseas has helped her develop resilience and cultural awareness, which she applies to both academic work and personal goals. Chanel is committed to honesty, compassion, and continuous learning, and she looks forward to pursuing new extracurricular opportunities in high school.

Read more from Chanel

Make it yours!

2025 Enrollment is Now Closed

Our writers’ guild launches this summer!

Title: Summer Vibes Pilot Program
Description: A guided literary exploration of identity, courage, and communication by mentoring the next generation of underrepresented voices toward publishing pathways.
Target Audience: Middle to High School Girls (Ages 10-18)
Youth Writer’s Guild: 8-9:30am EST every Wednesday in August 2025 (4 Sessions, 90 minutes each with two 10-minute breaks)
Delivery Format: Online (Zoom)

Emerging Voices is a 4-week creative writing program designed with trauma-informed, youth-centered practices that foster emotional literacy, self-expression, and storytelling ethics. Rooted in a values-forward framework, sessions progress from personal grounding to emotional exploration, imaginative writing, and purposeful publishing. Activities like journaling with the non-dominant hand, mentorship, and warm feedback protocols create a supportive environment for diverse learners. With opt-out options, inclusive prompts, and scaffolds for neurodiverse or ESL students, each participant is invited to engage at their own pace. The program culminates in a celebration showcase, with the opportunity to submit original work to a youth-led zine or podcast. Emerging Voices helps young people build confidence, compassion, and clarity—on the page and within themselves.

Objectives

1. Demonstrate creative expression by producing original written pieces that incorporate personal voice, imagination, and storytelling techniques.

2. Identify and articulate emotions through journaling, discussion, and character development to support emotional awareness and empathy in writing.

3. Apply writing and communication skills to draft, revise, and share personal narratives, poems, or articles with clarity, structure, and audience awareness.

4. Participate in peer feedback and collaboration by giving and receiving constructive input in group settings, fostering a respectful and supportive writing community.

Application & Enrollment Process

Step 1: Eligibility

- This program is open to child dependents of our valued paid subscribers. *Subscription requirement waived for active duty military families!

Step 2: Registration [NOW CLOSED]

- Review the attached enrollment guide.

- Fill out a brief online form with contact information and parent/guardian consent (for minors under 18).

Step 3: Portfolio

1. Visual Voice: Submit artwork or photography representing your inner strength.

2. Word Weaving: Write a 250-word 'Emerging Voices' themed letter to the Echoes & Vine Magazine editor, showcasing your writing talent, potential, or eagerness to learn.

3. Recommendation: Invite a teacher or mentor to nominate your admission, endorsing your enrollment.

Step 4: Submission

- Email requirements to Jenny Cline, Editor-in-Chief

• 2025 Enrollment is Now Closed

Jenny Cline is the Program Director of Emerging Voices and the Founder of Echoes & Vine Magazine, where she channels over 20 years of experience in training, project coordination, and youth development into meaningful, creative education. With a background in business administration and marketing, Jenny has designed and led workshops for students and military families, offering guidance through academic and life transitions with empathy and purpose. Her passion for storytelling inspired her to launch a magazine and podcast dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, blending her love of writing with her past work in modeling, publishing, and radio. Parents can feel confident knowing that Jenny brings structure and heart to every session, fostering a safe, inclusive space where young writers feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.

Evaluation Criteria

• Creativity

• Emotional resonance

• Clarity

• Originality

• Writing quality

Incentives

• Mentorship sessions

• Q&A with Guest Speaker, Ari Serrani, Founder and CEO of Peace Via

• International connections

• Creative expression

• Optional featured author spot

Timeline

- Application period for the summer workshop closes midnight EST July 12, 2025

- 2025 ENROLLMENT IS NOW CLOSED!

- Review and notification by midnight EST July 18, 2025

- First assignment due by midnight EST July 25, 2025

- Final Showcase & Reunion, Oct. 13 Noon-1:30 PM EST

Stay tuned for updates!

Empowering diverse voices through creative narrative and insightful exploration.

Introducing Emerging Voices

Meet the voice artist behind the Emerging Voices campaign.

About Chanel

Listen to the full podcast with Chanel on The Echo Effect's 'Echolettes' miniseries, only on Spotify.

Blossoming Confidence

Weathering Resilience

Course Disclaimer

Important Note for Students & Families:

This mentorship is designed to support young writers in exploring their voice, developing original work, and learning about the creative process. All guidance, materials, and feedback are provided for educational purposes only.

We do not offer legal, financial, or publishing advice. Any decisions made based on the workshop’s content related to contracts, intellectual property, or the use of your work outside of this cohort should be made with the support of a parent, guardian, or qualified professional.

If you choose to submit work for publishing through this program, please note:

• Participation is voluntary. Any writing or media shared is optional and remains your own.

• Students under 18 must have a signed consent form from a parent or guardian.

• Final editorial decisions will be made with care, but we do not guarantee publication.

Limitation of Liability

By participating in this class, students and their families understand and agree that:

• The program facilitators, partners, and guest contributors are not liable for how any information shared in this course is used outside of its intended educational purpose.

• No guarantees are made regarding publication outcomes, future opportunities, or financial benefit.

• This content is offered in good faith to encourage learning, creativity, and self-expression.

This disclaimer is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States.

2025 ENROLLMENT IS NOW CLOSED

Thank you for your interest. We hope to see you next year!