Shannon Daniels

If my name were an encyclopedia entry, it would read “Shannon Daniels -- storyteller, newborn poet, dog-lover, sophomore at Stuyvesent High School and cupcake connoisseur.” It might mention the work I have contributed to my school's literary magazine, The Daily PEN American, and the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans, but it wouldn’t do my name justice. What really defines me is my inspiration -- life on the outskirts of Chinatown, long walks through downtown Manhattan’s winding streets and the bright pulsing beauty of memories running through my mind. My thoughts and surroundings guide me in writing in some of my favorite genres -- memoirs, short stories and poetry bring me closer to solving the puzzle of who I am in this vast, complex world. For now, I know this: I am a girl who lives a life of crossroads, the intersection between Chinese and Irish cultures, girlhood and womanhood, an observer and one who takes action, a writer. I am a first-year mentee at Girls Write Now.