Now in their third year together, Joanne and LaToya are enjoying new worlds that are only possible through Girls Write Now. LaToya is exploring life as a mother, and Joanne is getting ready for college — but they continue to share a passion for writing. “New worlds means risk-taking,” says Joanne, “whether I’m writing with LaToya in a different style or a different genre.” Joanne is the first person in her family born in America, but she says of her mentor: “LaToya’s the first person who not only accepts my writing, but improves it. My parents cannot understand my writing, and it means a lot to me that an adult takes the time to read my work”.
LaToya, a poet who doubles as Assistant Director of Communications for New York Law School, started writing at an early age when she created soap operas and short stories for her friends. LaToya’s new life as a mother has also given her insight on her mentoring: “Motherhood is teaching me what’s worth sweating and what isn’t. Being a mentor to Joanne is definitely one of the important things, and it’s great to help her go through the college application process.” Through thick and thin, new challenges and old, Joanne and LaToya keep each other writing, laughing, and exploring.
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