By Cindy Ren
Joanna Zeng, a current Grade 12 student, is known in the Collingwood community for her passion for writing. Originally from China, Joanna has been attending Collingwood School since kindergarten. When asked “What does art mean to you as a means of expression?” Joanna answered, “Art is a universal language. That’s what is so incredible about it. Someone who speaks Russian could look at a painting and see the same thing as someone who speaks Japanese. But that isn’t quite accurate—they’d see the same painting, but might interpret it differently. Art is multi-faceted and layered. Different people can get different things out of the same work. But they can all understand it just the same. To me, art is a means of communication. A way to speak to others from the heart.”
Ever since she was little, Joanna felt an irresistible pull towards artistic forms of expression. When asked about how she views writing as one of her creative activities, she answered: “I love writing. It’s a creative outlet. It’s a comfort that has never failed me—I always write something when I feel incredibly stressed, and if I go too long without writing anything, I start to feel antsy and get headaches. I view it as a comfort, as catharsis.”
In addition to writing, Joanna has other creative passions such as singing and reading. Her biggest passions, however, are story writing and singing—all of which she claims she is equally passionate about. In reference to how she found her passion for story writing Joanna shares, “Writing stories is like creating entire worlds out of words and letting the characters bring themselves to life. It feels like my creations almost—develop a mind of their own. Sometimes it feels like I’m watching a show, and trying to transcribe as much as possible into words even. I’ve been writing stories from a pretty young age, and I’m not really sure where the passion came from. It’s just always been there, I guess. The power and the fun that comes with creating things.”
As a thriving writer herself, Joanna offers some important advice to her fellow writers: “Write. The more you write, the better you become. The only way to really develop your style, and improve your writing, is just to write more. Reading helps too I suppose. Preferably actual books, and not texts.” Joanna can vouch for the importance of writing, as ever since she was little, she would immerse herself in books such as Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong and Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey. She says with a smile, “I’ve always loved reading as a kid, especially fantasy.”
Behind every great creative mind, there are always other precedent creative minds that have stood as influences. Joanna shares that some of her most significant creative influences are Kelley Armstrong and Sarah J Maas.
Currently, Joanna is a member of the Collingwood Creative Writing Club. She has been writing a variety of short stories and poems, and she enjoys editing other people’s writing.
Looking towards the future, Joanna strives to become an editor or a teacher. For now, she is not sure what she wants to study as an undergrad but potentially anything that makes her happy.
Oh Door
Joanna Zeng
Oh door, oh door.
I wonder what lies within?
A room full of starlight, or perhaps filled with sin?
Oh door, oh quaint blue door.
If I knocked on you,
Would you shudder with a boom?
Oh door, little slice of sky.
If I opened you, would you make me cry?
Would I tremble at what’s inside?
You look like the witch’s door,
In an old tale,
A fable filled to the very core,
With adventure and revelry and magic galore.
Oh door, with the black iron lock,
You look innocent, so sweet and pure,
Like the damsel within, i’m no doubt sure.
In nine days minus three the prince will be here,
Upon a white horse,
Sure to free her.
You look like the fourth wall,
And not quite a door.
If I opened you up,
Would I find something more?
Joanna Zeng, a current Grade 12 student, is known in the Collingwood community for her passion for writing. Originally from China, Joanna has been attending Collingwood School since kindergarten. When asked “What does art mean to you as a means of expression?” Joanna answered, “Art is a universal language. That’s what is so incredible about it. Someone who speaks Russian could look at a painting and see the same thing as someone who speaks Japanese. But that isn’t quite accurate—they’d see the same painting, but might interpret it differently. Art is multi-faceted and layered. Different people can get different things out of the same work. But they can all understand it just the same. To me, art is a means of communication. A way to speak to others from the heart.”
Ever since she was little, Joanna felt an irresistible pull towards artistic forms of expression. When asked about how she views writing as one of her creative activities, she answered: “I love writing. It’s a creative outlet. It’s a comfort that has never failed me—I always write something when I feel incredibly stressed, and if I go too long without writing anything, I start to feel antsy and get headaches. I view it as a comfort, as catharsis.”
In addition to writing, Joanna has other creative passions such as singing and reading. Her biggest passions, however, are story writing and singing—all of which she claims she is equally passionate about. In reference to how she found her passion for story writing Joanna shares, “Writing stories is like creating entire worlds out of words and letting the characters bring themselves to life. It feels like my creations almost—develop a mind of their own. Sometimes it feels like I’m watching a show, and trying to transcribe as much as possible into words even. I’ve been writing stories from a pretty young age, and I’m not really sure where the passion came from. It’s just always been there, I guess. The power and the fun that comes with creating things.”
As a thriving writer herself, Joanna offers some important advice to her fellow writers: “Write. The more you write, the better you become. The only way to really develop your style, and improve your writing, is just to write more. Reading helps too I suppose. Preferably actual books, and not texts.” Joanna can vouch for the importance of writing, as ever since she was little, she would immerse herself in books such as Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong and Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey. She says with a smile, “I’ve always loved reading as a kid, especially fantasy.”
Behind every great creative mind, there are always other precedent creative minds that have stood as influences. Joanna shares that some of her most significant creative influences are Kelley Armstrong and Sarah J Maas.
Currently, Joanna is a member of the Collingwood Creative Writing Club. She has been writing a variety of short stories and poems, and she enjoys editing other people’s writing.
Looking towards the future, Joanna strives to become an editor or a teacher. For now, she is not sure what she wants to study as an undergrad but potentially anything that makes her happy.
Oh Door
Joanna Zeng
Oh door, oh door.
I wonder what lies within?
A room full of starlight, or perhaps filled with sin?
Oh door, oh quaint blue door.
If I knocked on you,
Would you shudder with a boom?
Oh door, little slice of sky.
If I opened you, would you make me cry?
Would I tremble at what’s inside?
You look like the witch’s door,
In an old tale,
A fable filled to the very core,
With adventure and revelry and magic galore.
Oh door, with the black iron lock,
You look innocent, so sweet and pure,
Like the damsel within, i’m no doubt sure.
In nine days minus three the prince will be here,
Upon a white horse,
Sure to free her.
You look like the fourth wall,
And not quite a door.
If I opened you up,
Would I find something more?