Stories

Charlotte Prep graduate Athena W. (class of '21) teamed up with middle school English teacher Mrs. Ashley Shaefer to launch a creative writing studio for lower school students. Over ten weeks, students explored storytelling essentials like dialogue, character development, and suspense. They ultimately crafted a “fantastical mystery story” drawing inspiration from illustrator Chris Van Allsburg.

The idea for the studio began when Athena approached Mrs. Shaefer last summer, eager to share her passion for writing with young people and reconnect with her former school. Initially hesitant about teaching younger students, Mrs. Shaefer credits Athena for reminding her of the imagination and curiosity that make creative writing so enjoyable with this age group.

“Athena helped me see how exciting it is to work with younger writers,” Mrs. Shaefer shared. “And the best part was getting to spend time each week with a former student whose love for writing has only grown.”

Athena, now a senior at Charlotte Latin School, reflected on her experience:

I remember the sticky Elmer’s Glue residue on my stubby fingers as I assembled my first book. I crafted worlds with pencil strokes. I felt empowered when my words hit paper, like I left a permanent trace of my mind for someone to uncover. This passion persisted, and once I came to Charlotte Prep,  I formed a close bond with my English teacher, Mrs. Shaefer. She taught me that my age shouldn’t determine my confidence in my writing and encouraged me to write unapologetically, without censoring myself. 

Going into this studio, I knew I wanted our students to leave with the idea that writing is more than a mundane school task. It is a love and appreciation of words, a form of communication that connects whole societies, and a way to express oneself in a vulnerable way. 

Although our studio was originally designed for middle schoolers, the younger students were so immediately immersed in every facet of writing. They were curious about nearly everything, and ambitious, vivid writers who brought stories to life in ways that frequently left me speechless. Though it was after school, every student rose to the challenge that each week presented. We danced through mythological tales of villains and produced endless pages of comics and stories.

I remembered myself, sitting where they do now, completely enamored with literature and the idea that writing could be fulfilling. To help the students reach that same conclusion, classes were structured by topic, but all the writing was left up to their imagination. This level of freedom excited and intrigued them, and I saw firsthand how every student’s creativity bloomed. With every excited smile and eager question, my passion for writing became reignited. Their generosity and bravery inspired me, and cultivated a new interest in teaching I know I will continue to explore.

We’re so proud of Athena and grateful for her contributions to the Prep community!