Junior Chrystina Antoine’s work, titled “Dark Forest,” was published in the first issue of the literary magazine, Noor. Antoine wrote the story for a class project, and it’s based on an event she experienced. In addition to her writing skills, she’s a talented artist and created the accompanying illustration. She’s also learning how to play the guitar. Through her writing endeavors, she’s venturing into different territories and keeping an open mind about the career she wishes to pursue, but she’s ready to dabble in diverse fields. Recently, she was recognized for her creativity when she received an award for the QSI Graduate Trait for creativity for the eleventh grade.
Q: What inspired you to write this piece?
A: It was mostly for a school assignment, but my teacher thought it was good so I just tried to get it published wherever and got a reply.
Q: Did writing “Dark Forest” help you process events in your life or was it challenging to relive them?
A: I think it helped me process it a little.
Q: How long ago did it happen?
A: Like probably 4 or 5 years ago, now.
Q: How did you decide on the imagery and symbolism used, like the tiger’s den and the dark forest?
A: It was just how I felt looking back; it’s how it looked to me.
Q: What message or emotion were you hoping readers would take away from this piece?
A: To expect and not be afraid of change, I guess.
Q: Has your perspective on this experience changed since you wrote about it?
A: Since it happened I never really thought about it too much until now, so I suppose yes, it did.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: Yes. I don’t think divorce is an inherently bad thing; I think it can grow a person.
