We have recently reached what is known as the “fat draft” deadline here at 110 Degrees. For us, fat drafts mean writing at least 2000 words if we’re are doing a personal essay and 1000 if we’re doing a photo essay. These fat drafts must also include 7-10 photos. Shortly afterward we turn our fat drafts in, we begin formal writing and photography critiques.
Continue Reading Add comment April 21st, 2007
I’m sitting down with a cup of coffee in my hand, staring at a laptop propped up on my knees. The reluctance to continue working scratches at my attention span.. I stretch my limbs and I walk towards the main work area of the Voices building. I start to hear the chattering sounds of teenagers: a happy, complaining, good-natured cacophony.
Continue Reading Add comment April 21st, 2007
If you’re in want of a detailed description of what the 110 Degrees Magazine is and where it came from, here are some of the basics…
Continue Reading Add comment September 10th, 2006
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 110 DEGREES MAGAZINE STAFF!!!!!!!!!
Add comment June 5th, 2006
I pulled quotes from the youth staff’s self-evaluations and drafts of their bios. I wanted to share them here because hearing these things is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Love, Kristen
Donnamarie Miranda: “What I like most about 110º and VOICES is the open and friendly, supportive, and goal-oriented environment that is created. I feel as though we were celebrated for who we were and weren’t allowed to give up on ourselves . . . I learned how different people could be from one another but still be so similar . . . I learned not to give up so easily on myself. I had a tendency to run away or quit when things got tough, but working at voices forced me to take give myself the time and attention I needed to finish projects and finish them well done.”
Isabella Soto: “One thing I will cherish is finding out that there are other youth who, like me, want to make a difference in the world. That human compassion is there after all among youth and other people. I’ve learned to let my guard down and not pass judgement . . . This place is truly a light in the darkness. It shines hope for those of us who are frustrated and angry with the way things are today.”
Esther Blue: “I feel so fortunate to have been able to tell my personal story, because I believe that the people who read it will be able to learn and grow from my insight and experiences . . . Writing a personal essay was a process that required a lot of soul searching and self evaluation, but one thing that definetly came from it was actually being able to tell a story that came straight from my heart . . . I also enjoyed working with this year’s staff because so many people were telling in depth personal stories, that really influenced to me to tell more and more of my story.”
Jennifer Thall: “ My life is predictable. It’s not necessarily dull or mundane, but I am not often given the opportunity to step out of my daily routines and experience new people, places, or ideologies. Voices, and specifically the story I chose to write on Al Garza and the Minutemen, challenged me to journey beyond my normal range of experiences and to question my existing beliefs and perspectives. I went from a safe and comfortable existence to witnessing and documenting the capture and arrest of twelve people crossing the United States-Mexico border illegally.”
Jonathan Schoffel: “I worked with a brilliant group of people in doing so, and I learned about the many social and political causes within our community. In a sense, working with such a diverse staff made me more sensitive to issues different from the ones I normally deal with.”
Hector Moreno: In response to the question “What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned through your work at VOICES so far?” Hector responded: “That words are very powerful. And if you voice yourself you will be heard.”
Caitlyn Myers: In response to the question “What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned through your work at VOICES so far?” Caitlyn responded: “About being honest, even when it’s hard . . . I have been encouraged to constantly be explore my creativity, my expectations, and the human condition.”
Alexandrea Duran: “My favorite part of working here was being able to meet all kinds of people . . . Through Voices I’ve learned that the best pictures will tell you stories and the best stories will paint you pictures.”
Add comment May 31st, 2006
Mr. Alex Noelke was featured this Monday, April 24, 2006.
Continue Reading Add comment April 24th, 2006
Time is becoming our adversary here at the office…
Continue Reading 1 comment March 17th, 2006
Teena Jo Neal, a former 110 volunteer photo mentor, passed this along to me.
If you look at it, we’re doing the same things (a bit differently).
"Young Chicago Authors encourages self-expression and literacy among Chicago’s youth through creative writing, performance, and publication. YCA provides student-centered, artist-led workshops, free to youth ages 13-19 in schools and communities. Our process emphasizes artistic development, mentorship and creating safe spaces where a young person’s life matters. We believe that through their words, young people can promote tolerance and remove barriers, transforming their lives and society."
- kristen
1 comment March 10th, 2006
So many times in the past couple of weeks I have been overwhelmed by the process the youth apprentices go through to get to the meat of their stories…
Continue Reading Add comment March 9th, 2006
Jonathan’s personal essay was published in the AZ Star last Sunday…
Continue Reading 1 comment February 28th, 2006
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