I have always loved writing. When I was little, I dreamed of being a published author. Thanks to NY Parenting, my wish came true much earlier, for which I am so grateful. Creativity, however, is neither formulaic nor scheduled. Sometimes, thoughts and opinions do not emerge on a regular basis and other times — more common than an exception — I have more words to put on paper than can be printed. I have turned to an online blog as an alternate platform to share my voice with others. It can be like projecting into a void not knowing whether anyone will see my site. Yet, it can also be like broadcasting your life because someone might actually be looking at your work.
The internet is undoubtedly one of the best inventions, especially for teenage artists, activists, and visionaries who need a public platform for their projects. The web has spawned and uncovered plenty of young sensations. It has propelled singer Justin Bieber to fame (and notoriety) and made fashion guru Bethany Mota a household name. For creative and ambitious teenagers, gaining attention for their work is challenging. They bring a new perspective and shed light on the realities of the next generation that adults fail to understand, but companies and agents do not always find young talent that desirable. Age and lack of experience is a hamartia. So is the fact that school hinders teenagers’ work availability. Not to mention, actively submitting work to potential agents or employers can be daunting for youngsters, due to the fear of rejection and their delicate self-esteem.
The web provides a diverse platform that can unlock many new opportunities for teens. In the past decade, websites have emerged that have allowed for sharing of all types of media. YouTube provides filmmakers a public screen and musicians a stage. Instagram allows young photographers to share their portfolios. Writers can log onto plenty of different sites — Tumblr, Blogger, Weebly (which I use) — to create an online journal for their stories, editorials, and essays. Even young activists can publicize their campaigns on social networking sites and even ask for donations through crowd funding. College applicants can even create their own site to showcase all their talent and achievements. The bottom line is whatever dream you have, the internet has a place for it. The web will not discriminate based on your age, gender, or race. Those less sure about their own abilities can even post anonymously and do not have to face direct criticism. Harsh words and constructive advice are buffered behind usernames and can allow a teenager as much privacy and personal space as he or she needs.
It goes without saying that posting work on the web can also be extremely dangerous. Be aware that anything you post will forever have a footprint on the internet. Thus, it is best to be cautious about the material you choose to share. Cherry-pick any personal information you disclose. Technology makes it quite simple for a stalker to find out more about you, so do not make his job easier by posting too much private and personal information like your address, telephone number, or images of your neighborhood. Also, take a second to review how you present yourself to an online community. This includes choosing wisely the language you use and the images or videos you share. Do not convey yourself as anything your grandmother would not be proud of — or a creeper could relish in. Don’t forget that your work, if on a public platform, is available for teachers, future employers, or college recruiters to see. Be careful about posting anything that specifically criticizes your school or work.
One question that might still linger is whether posting online will actually be effective. The truth is you can never be sure. When I first started my blog, I never thought it would be the talk of teenagers all across America. It still is not, but I have had some opportunities that have resulted from my newfound online presence. Yet, even if nothing becomes of my blog in the future, I still intend to commit to writing for it. It gives me a sense of worth and significance by being able to post my work.
My writing is more useful being online for anyone to read than it is taking up memory on my laptop. Give yourself the opportunity to share your work with one or with thousands. Remember that if what you do is really your passion, you win either way.
Aglaia Ho is a rising junior at Williams College and a native New Yorker. She also writes for her own blog at www.aglai
