I started writing at an early age as well. I even won a writing contest run by my first grade teacher. My 10th grade English teacher encouraged me, and even recommended me for AP English.
Unfortunately for me, my idiot parents hated the idea. They nixed the AP English enrollment. Dad was obsessed with pushing me into engineering. Don’t get parents who can’t let kids have their own lives. I ended up majoring in biology & psychology, but never lost that interest in writing.
Oh, and love the header art! Van Gogh is my all-time favorite artist. I got to see Irises in person at the Getty in SoCal back in the 90s. Great memory.
Thank you for this wonderful essay. Hope you have a beautiful day!