By Allison Stein
“You need to move outside your comfort zone to grow and learn.” The words my mom shared with me years ago have had a colossal effect on me; they’ve taught me that taking chances can create opportunities, widen points of view, and offer fulfillment. For as long as I can remember, the advice has not only encouraged me but also reminded me to push myself to improve, yet only recently did I realize how closely the words translate into my life. In retrospect, I believe that I have constantly thrust myself into experiences that have expanded my comfort zone: making my first submission to an online publication called Amazing Kids! Magazine in 2010, becoming a staff member and contributing writer for the magazine in 2011, and self-publishing a poetry chapbook in 2013. I once again extended my comfort zone a couple of months ago when I was offered a column editor position for Amazing Kids! Magazine and became the publication’s poetry editor. This experience led to reverberations of my mom’s wisdom as I learned hands-on the importance of reaching beyond my area of security to grasp the possibilities that could further enrich my endeavors and dreams.
I am thankful that I took this risk first and foremost because of the helpful, encouraging people I have met as a result. For instance, I have begun corresponding with the other Amazing Kids! editors and forming connections with fellow lovers of writing, all of whom are working toward a simultaneous goal. The experienced editors have been eager to show me each step of the editing process, which is much more intricate than I realized. Moreover, their invaluable guidance has been immensely appreciated as I’ve been discovering my unique styles of organization and revision. They’ve enabled me to learn from their talent and gain skills as both an editor and a writer. The willingness of the editors to share their expertise with me has illustrated to me what a supportive group of people I am part of.
In addition to gaining knowledge from other editors, my position gives me the ability to communicate with writers who submit work to the magazine. When I read their poems, I feel the connection writing offers the world. I treasure the privilege of sending acceptance emails and explaining why I enjoy pieces because I know how much I have appreciated the responses some editors have given me in the past. At times, writers have thanked me in reply, and these words have touched my heart beyond expression. Undoubtedly, sharing excitement with writers reminds me why I need to push beyond the stifling area of my comfort zone. The people I have worked with have given subtle but powerful encouragement to break the blockade of obstacles that surrounds my goals and finally grasp distant aspirations.
Not only has extending my comfort zone enabled me to meet supportive people, but widening my range of experiences has opened my heart to new ideas that have changed the ways I think of writing and editing. Exploring a different aspect of my passion has redefined my goals by conquering the limits of my viewpoint and allowing me to immerse myself in the discovery of all dimensions of my passion. Since beginning my position in December, I have read poetry submissions, selected manuscripts I feel match the outlook of Amazing Kids! Magazine, and worked on minor revisions involving grammar as well as formatting; these tasks have made me more aware of my editing process and more determined to push myself to create stronger writing. Furthermore, choosing pictures to complement poems has helped me gingerly consider the theme of each and consequently better understand the meaning, purpose, and message. Last but not least, having the opportunity to communicate with writers who submit poems has given me a greater sense of the community of those who share my passion. Focusing on different facets of my love of writing has certainly enabled me to wholly immerse myself in my craft.
Besides allowing me to experience new aspects of the power of words, being the poetry editor for Amazing Kids! Magazine has offered me a special perspective. For example, I’ve realized the immense amount of careful thought, synergy, and dedication that goes into each issue and have gained a profound appreciation for both the editors I work with and the writers who send their poetry. I have also reached a more thorough comprehension of the reasons behind acceptances and rejections; often decisions are made based on the magazine’s audience as well as the merit of a submission. Moreover, after analyzing the poetry I review, I have integrated my new skills and strategies into my writing process and developed ways to improve my words. This perspective has given me the chance to see writing from a distant point of view and to look at my interest through a clearer lens. The knowledge I’ve gained from the poetry editor position has been incredibly worthwhile; my new viewpoint has gifted me with immeasurable insight.
Finally, working with the online magazine has been fulfilling and rewarding. I often find myself sifting through my memories as I communicate with writers; this nostalgia reminds me precisely why I cherish the opportunity to be the publication’s poetry editor. I wistfully remember my first acceptance – ironically, from Amazing Kids! Magazine. The thoughtful email I received is what I aim to emulate when I tell writers why Amazing Kids! is eager to publish their pieces. Likewise, I reminisce seeing my work online for the first time; those moments are ones I will never forget. Even when my writing was rejected after I sent it to Amazing Kids! in hopes of publication, I found that this magazine managed to be supportive and offer constructive criticism about why it was declining to post my work. This magazine was special. My memories urge me, too, to strive to be a source of encouragement others will always treasure.
Not only do my memories make the position rewarding, but I also consider editing poetry fulfilling since I know the exponential difference publication can make. The readers of Amazing Kids! Magazine, for one, are impacted; I have seen firsthand how writing affects readers after delving into work that has left unique impressions on me. Furthermore, I have the chance to motivate writers like my mentors have done for me. I view each correspondence as an opportunity to encourage and collaborate. Above all, my purpose as poetry editor is to make a difference to the readers and writers of Amazing Kids! – to create greater insight with our shared passions and ambitions. Unquestionably, the position has been extremely rewarding; after participating in the project for only a couple of months, I realize that pursuing faraway goals is imperative.
From editing poetry, I have definitely learned the essential of pushing myself to aim for experiences that test my confidence. Immersing myself in an art that I genuinely love and sincerely believe in has lent me renewed aspirations and strengthened passion. The position has given me palpable enthusiasm; it has encapsulated my motivation to conquer the limits of my comfort zone. Ultimately, the more willing I am to overcome these restrictions, the closer I am to discovering the extent of possibilities – and realizing that the potential of passion is truly infinite.
Deep… I wish I could write like you.