» The Wild Ride

Comes to an End The Wild Ride ’ll never forget when Kerrie Boys sent me the layout for GirlStory’s first flipbook, the yearbook issue for 2020. I literally cried. She had captured my idea exactly as I had envisioned, even though I gave her nothing to go on except that I wanted to highlight girls’ stories in a fun yet classy way. I stared at the photos of the writers from all over the world and their incredible words. Their stories and poems. We had done what we had set out to do: give voice to girl stories that matter.

Some girls wrote creative short stories or poems. Others wrote about a diagnosis or disability they experienced or currently live with. Many wrote about friendships and the struggles they’ve walked through as teens and pre-teens. And still others penned passionate pleas related to their just causes, from education rights for girls around the globe to civil rights here in the USA.

We have been so proud of all of the girl writers over these past two years. Ranging in age from ten to seventeen, they’ve sent us their stories from a far

Iaway as the country of Colombia and even from a boat in the middle of the Great American Loop. As I sat down to write this last note to our supporters and the girl writers, I cried again. While every good thing comes to an end at some point, I didn’t expect the magazine to end so soon. However, I choose to look at all the positives. After all, they are numerous! Some girls have found their voice; others have found mentors. Each one braved being published and learned how to stand up to share their story or idea. My prayer is that girls continue to know they are cherished, that their opinions and ideas matter. Individually and collectively, their voices are powerful. Girls, may you continue to write. And certainly, continue to “be you.” You are changing the world, one carefully placed word at a time! Cortney

Everyone expresses themselves in different ways. Some draw. Some sing; some paint, and some write. There is no “right” way to share your vision. I am no writer, I design things to express myself. Cortney writes. I believe that words have universal power, and Cortney is one of the most powerful people I know. She uses words to heal, persuade, and encourage. When she came to me with this magazine idea, all I wanted to do was help make her vision a reality. I knew that this would be an amazing opportunity for girls and might inspire them on a path otherwise not taken.

The past two years have been a crazy time in our country. Girls across the country got to say their piece through GirlStory. We saw them, heard their voices, and published them. That is some special stuff. These girls have impressed me beyond measure, and I thank them and our adult contributors for their time and passion that keeps them writing. The world needs all of you.

As I type through teary eyes, please know I will miss reading these stories, creating Cortney’s vision, and designing a cool space for stories created by girls. I take solace in the fact that these fierce writers will keep up the good work.

Thanks for the wild ride.Kerrie

Created for girls ages 10–14 to encourage and inspire each other as they write the feature articles.

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