Shekina Oh is a teen writer who started her writing journey in the pandemic. Currently, she mostly writes poems and short anecdotes, alongside other genres. Her work has been featured in the New York Times and Write the World. When not writing, she loves planning pretend vacations and watching movie clips.
How long have you been writing? What was the first piece you ever wrote (outside of school assignments) that you felt satisfied, possibly thrilled, with?
Shekina Oh: I've been writing for the past five years, ever since sixth grade. When the pandemic hit, I thought of writing this piece about a girl with depression from the perspective of her best friend. After one month, I submitted it to my bestie, who thought it was enlightening. My other besties also said the piece was outstanding, which made me write more.
Do you think there is a big difference between school writing and creative writing?
Shekina Oh: Yes, I believe there's a big difference between school writing and creative writing. In creative writing, the style used is more casual. Meanwhile, school writing has to follow certain formats and strict rules. Creative writing has more leeway, as its name implies, which is how it differs from school writing. Further, creative writing is more about self-expression while academic writing centers more on sharing knowledge.
Is creative writing taught at your school? If so, what's that instruction like?
Shekina Oh: I transferred school a lot, so I never took creative writing (or academic writing until the tenth grade), which meant I taught myself how to write. Right now, in the eleventh grade, there is a creative writing course in my school, but it's only offered to one strand. In the Philippines, eleventh graders get to pick a strand, and I chose the one that didn't offer creative writing because of the opportunities that strand provided. So, I have never received formal education in writing whatsoever.
What is school like in the Philippines? What's a typical school day like in Philippines? A typical school year?
Shekina Oh: As someone who has been to many schools, I learned that the system and curriculums across schools are mostly the same because of standardization and government regulations. From first to tenth grade, we're taught ten to eleven subjects, which include basic subjects like math and minor subjects like music. We also learn two languages starting first grade: Filipino and English. In eleventh grade, as I mentioned, students get to pick from one of four strands: STEM (science and math), ABM(business), HUMMS (humanities), and GA (general academic). Although I am inABM, I still have to take some non-business-related core subjects like English and science.
As for the school day, it varies from school to school. Most, though, start around 7:00-7:30 am and end at 4:00-5:00 pm. Mine starts at 9:00 am and ends at 4:10 pm. Throughout the day, we have six subjects plus recess and lunch. Meanwhile, our school year lasts from August to May. It used to be from June to March, but the government changed it last 2013 (I think?).
Who is your favorite author right now and why?
Shekina Oh: I love Kelly Yang and her works. She really inspires me to write more about my heritage and take pride in it. Just like her, I'm part of the Chinese diaspora (in the Philippines, though), so her works are relatable to me.
Do you ever encounter writing blocks?
Shekina Oh: Yes, I encounter a lot of writing blocks, especially when I'm writing poems. To counter it, I sometimes search online or doomscroll untilI get inspiration. To be honest, it isn't the best habit for productivity, but it's what works (for me at least).
What are you most looking forward to as a person or as a writer in 2025?
Shekina Oh: I'm looking forward to writing more this summer, of course, and living more aesthetically if possible. I also really wanna try new experiences this year and have a galentines in February.
If readers were standing on the street outside your home in Philippines, what would they see/smell/hear?
Shekina Oh: There's a peaceful (yes, peaceful) road outside my house with mango trees and streetlights on each corner. Occasionally, a car would pass by, but the road does not smell of smoke or dust. Some people throw their trash on the sidewalk, though, so it sometimes smells of rubbish. I remember there used to be an ice cream or taho vendor screaming "TAHOOOOOOOOO!" or playing a lively melody to entice customers, but I haven't heard them in a while. However, I've been hearing more motorcycles race by as the years passed.
"1031211" by Biblioteca Rector Machado y Nuñez is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
