DANIA RODRIGUEZ
YEARS AS MENTEE: 1
GRADE: Senior
HIGH SCHOOL: Mott Hall V
BORN: Puebla, Mexico
LIVES: Bronx, NY
MENTEE’S ANECDOTE: I was used to having my writing limited to what teachers would assign in school. Girls Write Now provided me with the space to help me explore other genres of writing, and with an amazing mentor, Shannon, to join me on the journey. Shannon has been extremely supportive and attentive throughout the months that we have worked together. We’ve had so much fun talking about our fashion choices and movies while drinking matcha lattes, coffee, and eating chocolate-chip cookies. Shannon has been such an amazing mentor and I’m so lucky to have met such a talented woman.
SHANNON CARLIN
YEARS AS MENTOR: 4
OCCUPATION: Freelance Culture Writer
BORN: Ronkonkoma, NY
LIVES: Brooklyn, NY
PUBLICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: Published in Bustle, Refinery29, Vulture
MENTOR’S ANECDOTE: I wish I had met Dania sooner. In our first year together—and, unfortunately, our last, since she’s a senior—I’ve gotten to know this kind, thoughtful, extremely smart young woman. Dania does it all with poise and passion. And, honestly, how she does it all I’ll never know. I’ll also never know how she always miraculously lands a seat at the crowded coffee shop where we meet. She’s magic, I tell you. It’s why I wish I’d met her sooner, like when I was a teen and needed someone to look up to. Luckily, I found her now.
This poem is an ode to fashion design and social justice, both of which hold a special place in my heart. Both have positively impacted me and continue to shape my perspective on life.
First a fabric, then a color, followed by a silhouette.
An image comes to mind and with it,
The urge to design and create
Something durable and sturdy,
The resistance against what is unjust
But flexible enough to adapt to change.
Silk’s soft flow, but strong force
Is worthy of taking on this task.
A touch of feminism and progress
Will revamp the runway at last.
What will give life to this creation?
Why color of course! But not black or white
This design is too complex for colors so simple.
We need a fusion of colors
A beautiful explosion of expression
A dash of gold or silver for luxury
For we are worth more than numbers
The top is structured and defined
To outline the strength of its wearer
It curves and stops at the waist
Falling at the hip, beginning its elegant drape.
It’s pulled by confidence
And flows with the winds of change
This dress does not shape you
You must twist it, bend it,
Morph it into your best self
A piece of art that can be worn