It goes without saying that the journalists at VOX are poised and professional, but first and foremost we are teens, and because of that we can speak to the difficulties of making the mental shift from summer vacation mode to back-to-school mode. Especially when you have had a summer as eventful as ours. That is why VOX’s Back-to-School print edition, which is printed today (Sept. 1) and released this weekend at the Teen Stage of the Decatur Book Festival and will reach metro-Atlanta schools next week, not only includes helpful resources like articles on how to budget and tips on applying to college, we’ve also included stories highlighting some crucial happenings from the realms of politics and entertainment that took place right here in Atlanta this summer.
VOX’s teens interns and a few hard-working contributors worked tirelessly this summer to generate content that would be useful to all students — whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior. It is with the collective brilliance of all high school grade levels that this VOX issue comes into fruition, and that has sparked a realization for us at VOX: We are all in this together. It sounds cliché, but it is the fervor of freshmen, the patience of sophomores, the dedication of juniors and the experience of seniors that gives schools their spirit.
High school is often a big part of life for teenagers, so we want to encourage you to make the most of this school year by making friends where you least expect them and trying new things. Maybe mentoring a younger student will give you a sense of purpose you never knew existed. Maybe taking an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate class will give you just the push you need. Do not just seize the day — seize the year, and enjoy it while it lasts because it will be over before you know it.
Alimah, 18, wrote this just before leaving Atlanta to start school at Sarah Lawrence College.
Want to pick up your copy of VOX in print?
Find us at the Teen Stage at DBF this weekend — especially Sunday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. for a teen poetry slam and open mic.
Want to get in on the VOX action?
Send your original work to media@voxatl.org. Join our program as a contributor (details here). Or bring VOX to your school or organization by contacting Sarah@voxatl.org.
