Working as an AmeriCorps leader at 110 Degrees has been a deeply rewarding experience. Helping young people develop their writing and photography skills is such a great way to make a difference in the community on a truly personal, individual level. You really develop close bonds with the youth through one-on-one mentoring, and helping them [...]

At first I didn’t want to pursue a career in writing – it was just something I did as a hobby. Last year, Voices helped me realize how much I love writing. Now, it’s my second year at Voices, and I plan to go to college and get a job in writing or photography.

My name is Hannah Waddell. I’m fifteen, and I’m a freshman at Flowing Wells High School. I’m involved in student council, Breakdown, and my church youth group. I love writing poetry and reading. Working at VOICES is a great experience for me and I really enjoy working here.

I’m so glad to be working with Voices. My biggest dream is to become the next Oprah. I want to make a positive change in the world and to encourage other girls and women to follow in my footsteps.

To tell the truth, I hated writing before coming to Voices. The only time I liked writing was when I would put down rhymes in poetry and raps. Working at 110º has changed that. I’ve learned to channel my soul and passion by being able to write something I truly care about.

Where are we going Voices?
What road are we going down?
The road splits a hundred ways, each
A thousand miles, and road signs labeled
Sex, government, history, culture, art, religion,
And a thousand more.
A thousand miles for a thousand roads.
But all have destinations called “enlightenment.”

I would describe myself as hard working. I’m a student at City High School and I also work at Wilson’s Leather at the Park Place Mall. In school, I maintain a 3.5 GPA, and have been a senior sales associate for quite a while. This is my third year at Voices.

I’m Melinda and I’m an enthusiastic writer. I feel that Voices Inc has opened up many new venues for me in the writing world and has helped me express my creativity. I’m avidly involved in debate and feel that communication is key to solving the world’s problems. Writing opens many doors.

Nneka Okonkwo, fourteen, attends Tucson High Magnet School as a freshman. She feels youth should speak for their rights, do their best in all aspects of their lives, and she loves to read. She is African-American and Nigerian, was born in Los Angeles, moved here, and now loves Tucson unconditionally.

Hello, my name is Alex. I believe in kittens and long beaches that walk. I’m inspired by some beautiful complexity only described as insanity, but not my own. Someday, I will tell you that you are crazy, and you will be happy. And there will be no need for thanks.