“Why dream creatively at all?” Why stray from normalcy, embrace the unknown and jump into spinning, metal, fan blades ready to dissect and disembowel you. Creativity is the probing of the limits of the human mind. It is the very life force within us unleashed. A universal language: one transcending genre, generation or gender. I dream creatively so that my children may, as well as my children’s children. I dream creatively so that, much like Anne Frank, my works may inspire and influence those who come after me—so that my creations can transcend that which is currently known, and take a piece of my very soul out with them into the open.

In writing, you often never know of your stardom. Some of the most famed writers (and works) were not discovered until long after the author’s passing. Take Anne Frank, for example. In the one quote, she says, “I want to go on living even after my death!” Writing is a way to do that. It is a practice in which you can entomb your thoughts and ideals. This concept of eternal life is exactly what Anne is wishing for and what she accomplished. Her works were not discovered until after her death, she never knew of the fame that would be placed upon her, nor the billions of eyes which have graced her diary entries. And yet she continues to live on through her words and influence. Anne Frank will not truly pass away until the last person to have read her diary has closed their eyes for good. It is our job to make sure that that does not happen for a very long time.

Isaiah Davidson, age 15, The Grove High School

Dear Readers,

The responses to this year’s Jewels feel different — more generous, more grateful. They seem to be touching the hearts of more readers than ever. I believe part of the magic is that these Jewels are written by young people — ages 13 to 18.Part of the magic. Their words are unpolished yet brimming with honesty.

In a world that feels noisy and divided, I feel their reflections land like medicine — surprising, intimate, and hopeful. Perhaps because their voices aren’t wrapped in ideology or agenda, they open us up rather than shut us down.

How do this year’s Jewels speak to you? What has moved you — or, if you are open to sharing, what is it that you Still Believe? We’d love to hear and share your thoughts. Please email us at info@JewelsofElul.com.

With gratitude,
Craig