Shine A Light On Me

Amanda MoWriting Shine a Light on Me has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life so far. My journey began in 2024 when I joined Captain John's vocabulary class, and in 2025, I started working on this book as an eleven-year-old sixth grader. Now, as a seventh grader who is almost thirteen, it feels exciting to see our ideas and research come together into an actual book. I've always enjoyed reading, especially because it allows me to explore different perspectives. While researching the Sugar Land 95, I discovered stories about my own community that I had never heard before. Being part of a group of young authors who could help share this history has made the experience even more special to me.Outside of writing, artistic swimming is a huge part of my life. I love being in the water, learning new routines, and performing alongside my teammates. One of my favorite things about artistic swimming is how it combines music, movement, and creativity into one performance. There's something exciting about hearing the music start and knowing that every movement is part of a bigger routine. I also love the friendships I've made through the sport and all the memories we've created together, both in and out of the pool. When I'm not swimming, I enjoy reading, writing, and traveling. Visiting new places is one of my favorite things to do because there's always something different to see, experience, or discover.I'm incredibly grateful to my two wonderful parents, my teachers, and my friends for supporting me throughout this journey. Another special part of writing this book is getting to share the experience with my older sister, Joanna Mo, who is also one of the authors and is so annoying. Looking ahead, I dream of becoming a CEO someday. I love the idea of creating something of my own, making decisions, and turning big ideas into reality. Being part of Shine a Light on Me has shown me how a simple idea can grow into something that reaches beyond the people who first imagined it. I hope this book encourages others to discover the stories around them and understand why they deserve to be remembered. Joanna Mo When I first began working on Shine a Light on Me, I had just completed 7th grade at Sartartia Middle School. Now, as a 9th grader at Stephen F. Austin High School, I continue to find joy in reading, writing, and discovering the stories behind the world around me. To me, reading is a way to experience lives beyond my own, while creative writing allows me to explore new perspectives through imagination and storytelling. Researching the Sugar Land 95 alongside my fellow student authors has deepened my appreciation for the stories hidden within our communities and the importance of ensuring they are remembered and shared.Outside of writing, music is one of my greatest passions. I play piano and cello, but I especially love composing my own music. One of the most meaningful discoveries I made through this project was learning how musical traditions carried stories of hardship, hope, and resilience across generations. As a composer, this changed the way I think about music. I began to see it not only as a form of personal expression, but also as a way to preserve memories, connect people, and tell stories that might otherwise go unheard. This realization has inspired me to think more deeply about the meaning and purpose behind the music I create.I am incredibly grateful to my family, teachers, and friends for supporting me and encouraging me to pursue my interests. In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, visiting national parks, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking, for I get most of my inspiration from spending time surrounded by nature. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue medicine while continuing to write and compose. Through Shine a Light on Me, I've come to appreciate that stories can live on in many forms, whether written on a page or carried in a melody. I hope to carry that understanding into the stories I write, the