WritersStudio.us Alum Builds College Resume as a Freelance Writer
Changmaker, Rabiyah Syed, 16, of Naperville Central High School did not always like writing. What many don't know is that since 2021, this alum of the www.WritersStudio.us workshops, has built a solid portfolio for her college resume an initiative of the workshop originally, as a freelance writer for Islamic Horizons. She continued to build her portfolio long past her time as a workshop student making her one of its youngest regular contributors! And, unlike many first-time teen writers, she gets paid for it !!
Here is more about her learning curve in her own words:
"I was not the best writer, and I think that was something that always infuriated me and contributed to me not liking writing as much ( in the beginning before the workshops).
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
The workshops definitely helped me think outside of the box. I learned how to annotate books, and make connections within books and in my writing. The WritersStudio.us workshop taught me how to use all five senses and how to make my work interesting. I learned how to elevate my writing by using sophisticated vocabulary, and how to be more concise yet precise with my writing. I am now a much better writer than I was before and my writing ability improved to the point that I am now a consistent writer for Islamic Horizons.
FIRST BYLINE
My first piece was about three Texan girls who founded a program called R-ZU, to provide access to wells and filtration systems in developing countries.
I was excited for my first piece. I had never submitted my writing to any publication before so, while I was nervous, there was a thrilling and exciting component.
I was really proud of myself. I was proud that I wrote a piece that was pretty big compared to things I had written before. I was also a bit shocked because I never would have thought that my work would be published anywhere, let alone in a (national) magazine like Islamic Horizons.
I think that journalistic writing is actually pretty interesting. I get to learn about different people doing different things to give back to their community... I want to be able to share their accomplishments by writing about them.
FIRST PAYCHECK
When I received my first paycheck I was happy. It made me feel good about myself and my work. It still shocked me to see that my writing was now becoming an actual job. It made me realize that my writing skills had improved so much that I was writing feature articles that were published in a newspaper as my job!"
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The WritersStudio workshop taught me how to make my work interesting says Rabiyah S. of Naperville
Personal Essay Gets WritersStudio.us Alum Published in National Magazine
By Naazish YarKhan, Founder, Writers Studio
Personal essay writing is what common app essays are all about. Yusuf Rasul, 21, wrote his first story, "Algol", for WritersStudio.us in grade school. However, it was this alum's personal essay that first got him published in a national magazine. His reflections triggered my own. Here he is in his own words:
"I’ve always found peace within writing. Whether I’m reflecting on my day and planning the next, or crafting my own world into existence, being able to express everything on a piece of paper makes everything easier.
Writing with WritersStudio.us was beneficial in helping me find my own style of writing. It taught me useful frameworks that I was able to apply on my own. The writing workshops also helped me become concise with my words. That’s been very helpful with getting my point across, both in writing & while speaking.
My first (published) personal essay was about my first experience with I’tikahf. I had an amazing time at the Darussalam Mosque in Lombard, IL. My mom’s friend suggested that I share the experience and inspire others as well. I was initially nervous as I didn’t know if my writing skills would be strong enough for my work to get published. However, as I continued to write, it all came naturally and began flowing really well. Seeing my personal essay printed, I felt very accomplished as this was the first time my work was being shown to the public. I showed my family and friends and they all really liked it, too. It felt surreal.
What motivates me is the fact that my writing can have a positive impact. If I inspire just one person that it makes it all worth it."
As the owner of WritersStudio.us I, too, began my career contributing personal essays for the "Teen Scene" column in India Post. What I didn't know then was that I would make a career out of them. And I urge all of you who've written an essay for college to think of all the ways your essay can be reused. Will it be a springboard to a podcast of your own, a VLOG maybe, a novel, an anthology?
Apparently, there is truth to the saying, "write what you know about". I became a columnist for Oman Observer discussing career, marriage and motherhood. My personal essays found a place as commentaries for NPR. I found myself sharing why I adopted the hijab at age 22 or how I just can't survive hot weather, despite all my formative years in hot countries! With PRI, I discussed how American-Muslim parents help their kids survive labels like "terrorist", and the emotional challenges of setting new roots in the US. Did I know then that my writing would be translated into Arabic, Urdu, Hebrew, French, Tagalog as I wrote for Common Ground News about Muslims in America? Not at all. For OnBeing, I discussed Ramadan and what observing it means to me. Who knew readers and listeners would be interested in my personal reflections? I certainly didn't when I began writing.
Sometimes our careers unfold before us because we put one foot in front of the other. Even when we don't see a clear path ahead of us. I did not end up writing personal essays or creating WritersStudio.us where I coach students on their college essays as part of a big picture plan. It kind of fell together. I was simply making my way forward, accepting opportunities and ideas as they came my way.
And that is the reality I remind myself of whenever I can't see the path ahead or feel nervous as to my "next". One foot infront of the other. That is all I am responsible for. Saying "yes" to opportunities without letting my insecurities get the better of me. Yes, much like Yusuf Rasul did at 21. I can't wait to see where his personal essay and his first publication will take him. Just as I look forward to all my students recycling their own common app essays as one of many rungs to a bright future.
#CollegePrep #CommonAppEssay #CommonApp #EssayWriting #SAT #ACT #Collegebound
"WritersStudio.us was beneficial in helping me find my own style of writing".-Yusuf Rasul, 21
10.5.2023 Writers Studio Presents Webinar for Glenbard West Muslim Students Association
Bridge the gap to the school of your dreams. Don't miss Writers Studio's FREE zoom session on conquering college application essays, organized by the Glenbard West MSA ! Well crafted essays are crucial to college admissions. They can be a game-changer even. Join us to gain invaluable insights, tips, and strategies that will set you apart. Secure your future success today – register now and unlock your path to a brighter tomorrow! 📚🌟 Email writersstudiousa@gmail.com to register for your free zoom link.
#CollegePrep #CommonAppEssay #CommonApp #EssayWriting #SAT #ACT #Collegebound
4.15.2021 Writers Studio Announces "Pathway to Success" Scholarships Worth $1500
Writers Studio (www.writersstudio.us) is honored to announce that two Glenbard West High School seniors, Ms. Laiba Khan and Ms.Fatima Shahid, were selected for its inaugural "Pathway to Success" scholarships, a combined value of $1500. The Pathway to Success scholarship is for minority students who face incredible personal challenges and continue to strive, and even thrive, academically. Each academic year, two awardees will be chosen. Writers Studio is excited to share that both students have also been accepted to their first choice of university, with scholarships.
“With most colleges receiving more applications than they have seats, the college essay is the student’s chance to put a personal face to the grades and scores. Given all the events of 2020, offering professional guidance on college application essays, via such a scholarship, made perfect sense,” says Writers Studio CEO, Naazish YarKhan. “The college essay has the potential to sway an admissions committee when candidates are identical in every other respect, or even when your scores aren’t of the same caliber.”
“Mrs.YarKhan’s kind-hearted spirit and unwavering support transformed the chaotic college admissions process into an amazing learning opportunity. I can’t imagine going through this journey without her,” said awardee, Laiba Khan. She will be attending University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. At Glenbard West, Ms. Khan has served as a member on the Principal’s Advisory Board, as Student Equity Council Member and as President of the Muslim Student Association. She plays Varsity Girls Badminton and is a member of Best Buddies and National Honors Society, just to name a few achievements, all while working at Bouna Beef and Kumon Math and Reading Center throughout high school.
Fatima Shahid will be attending University of Kansas and aspires to be a nurse. At 18, she already has two years of work experience as a dental assistant. At Glenbard West, she was a member of the Muslim Students Association, South Asian Nation, Best Buddies, Eco Club and STEM club. She also played Badminton at West for 3 years. She currently works at It'Sugar, a candy shop in Oakbrook Mall. She continues to volunteer with Al-Maghreb Institute, a journey she first embarked on when just seven years old.
"Mrs. YarKhan's... immense help and genuine involvement made the college decision and admission process less stressful and uncomplicated, especially with the pandemic," said Ms. Shahid. "It's been very hard for a lot of students to do this on their own. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to work with the Writers Studio and not go through this alone. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Mrs.YarKhan."
4.10.2021 Writers Studio Presents at Webb Foundation
April 10, 2021 Webb Foundation student and parents alike joined in to hear a presentation on the college application process.
3.23.2021 Writers Studio Presents at Islamic Foundation School
Islamic Foundation high school seniors and their parents joined a two day Writers Studio presentation on the college application process.