Junior uses writing to reflect, grow
Sasha Watson earns accolades for work
REWARDING WRITING. Sasha Watson listens to a classmate talk about a writing assignment in the library classroom. Sasha is an avid writer, serving as the editor-in-chief of Renaissance Literary Board and using writing as a way to reflect on her life.
February 20, 2023
A pencil scratches at the page and the cursor blinks on her document as she sits pensively at her desk. The piece she’s editing has a part she just can’t quite get. As she patiently sits, it finally comes to her. The keys of her computer furiously clack as the final piece of her story settles into place.
When Sasha Watson first started writing in middle school, it never occurred to her that it would be something she’d want to do for the rest of her life. But with support and encouragement from teachers Sasha is now an accomplished writer, an editor-in-chief of the Renaissance Literary Board and a recent winner of 16 Scholastic keys.
Through writing Sasha said she has reached certain parts of her identity. She feels it allows her to look at the bigger picture and see the whole story.
“Writing is a bridge for my thoughts and the world around me,” Sasha said. “It helps make sense of a lot of things.”
Sasha uses writing as a way to reflect on her life from a more thoughtful lens. She finds this helpful especially when in high school as a way to express herself and reflect on her emotions. Writing is a huge part of her life.
“On the daily it affects me because I’m always feeling in tune to things that I think would be interesting to write, even words or phrases that I think are inspiring,” Sasha said. “Ever since I started writing, I’ve tried to be observant.”
Sasha’s favorite part of writing is editing, especially in her role on the Renaissance Literary Board.
“I think my favorite part about writing is editing a piece, so once I get through the hard first drafts and all of that, reaching that stage where you’re honing in on something specific and feel close to articulating an idea accurately,” Sasha said.
Sasha also enjoys collaborating with other students who share the passion for writing. Co-editor Sara Kumar appreciates Sasha’s love for writing and the energy she brings to the club.
“She has such a strong work ethic paired with incredible creativity, which makes every late-night planning call and afterschool editing session quick and exciting,” Sara said.
Renaissance Literary Board’s faculty adviser Mark Krewatch said she brings energy and excitement to the club.
“Sasha is a steady, encouraging hand,” Mr. Krewatch said. “She’s a writer as much as she is an editor, and she looks at submitted work with the perspective of someone who knows how hard it is to create, and share and be vulnerable.”
The rule Sasha holds herself to is that she must always be writing or working a piece. Because of this, throughout her years in U-High, Sasha has had numerous pieces of work to submit to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in various regional categories. This school year she has won six keys, the previous year she won nine, and in ninth grade she received one.
As Sasha continues with her writing, she acknowledges how comfortable it makes her feel and how helpful it is in unpacking and understanding the world around her.
“I feel like I’m at the beginning of this process of writing,” Sasha said. “It is really comforting that I know I will have it for the rest of my life.”
