When I was a child, I would write regularly in my diary. I wrote about each day’s events, about the TV shows I watched, about my adventures with friends, and even wrote my own stories. I loved my English classes at school because they gave me the opportunity to write.
When I was a teenager, I did not write that much anymore, except for school assignments. Still, I knew that writing had become a great part of my life.
When I was about to finish secondary school (that’s what they call high school in Brunei), I wanted to apply for university courses related to writing but chose one in the medical field instead (Physical Therapy, one of the most popular pre-med choices back then). I loved my parents (still do!) more than I loved writing, so I chose to pursue medicine and become a doctor one day.
In U.P., I still loved writing. I loved our English classes. I wrote for the organizations that I was part of (I didn’t realize it then but I was actually writing “copy” for the events we would organize!).
I thought I would become a doctor who writes on the side.
But then God intervened. (Remind me to tell you more about that in another post!)
Fast forward to today.
I’m now a writer/editor. Writing is my passion and my profession.
Which brings me to the whole point of this post: Why should kids (and adults) be encouraged to write?
Here are three important reasons:
1. Writing helps us tell our stories.
Every person has a story to tell — yes, even young kids! And the world is in need of storytellers; not just any storytellers but those who pursue and promote truth, goodness and beauty.
2. Writing can be healing to one’s soul.
I’ve experienced this time and time again, as a child, as a teen, and now, as an adult. When one writes about one’s need for healing, for encouragement, for inspiration, it can be a cathartic, restorative experience.
3. Writing can be one way to bless the world.
Think of a book or a story that has blessed or inspired you in one way or another. Now imagine if the person who wrote it didn’t write it. Get my point? When kids write, when adults write, we have the opportunity to help, love, serve, encourage, tickle the imagination, make people laugh, etc.
Recently, the kids who attended Educasian Learning, Inc.’s Kids Writeshop program were able to “publish” their own books, after completing another module which focused on persuasive and opinion writing (which I only learned about in secondary school, I think!). I applaud the organizers for helping these kids become good storytellers! 🙂
If you are someone with kids in your life who need encouragement, guidance, and information on how to be good storytellers through writing, please do check out the upcoming Kids Writeshop module, which is set to begin on September 3. You can find more details here.
Do you like writing? Even if you don’t, I encourage you to write something every day.
*This post is brought to you by EducAsian Learning, Inc. Thanking God for them; for being a blessing to our family! 🙂
