Meet our Contributors
Aleks Turney (She/They) is currently an English major at Cypress College. They fell in love with writing at a very young age and have been scribbling away ever since. Focusing particularly on capturing various aspects of humanity and emotion, they love people watching while writing poetry!
Ashley Hong is currently a senior in high school and she is interested in majoring in English. She spends most of her time singing and acting in local plays and musicals. Ashley has been interested in songwriting and how words form language from a young age. Recently, she has been learning more about poetry and music composition. Writing journals and exploring the art of poetry has been Ashley’s enjoyment.
Aun Dom is from Long Beach. She enjoys reading and cooking and spending time with close friends and family. She stumbled into writing while pursuing Radiology at Cypress and is so happy that she did. She hopes to continue her craft and one day write her own memoir.
Caden Gillespie is an English Major and aspiring writer. Graduating from Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, he hopes to attend Cal State Long Beach in Fall of 2026.
Ciera Murray believes we all have a story worth telling. She loves that writing gives us the chance to do so.
Infiniti Montes De Oca is a psychology major hoping to inspire others through her journey of healing and self-discovery!
After starting school again in 2022 after he dropped out as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, Jared Hall likes to think he has made something of a name for himself with his unapologetic attitude regarding his autism, as well as his incessant need to either make writing tasks more difficult than they have to be, make them funny in response to or in spite of the prompt at hand, or some unfortunate combination of the two.
Kelly Donath. 27. I used to chase dragonflies. Now I wrangle my thoughts into written word, and dabble in the language and visual arts. I love my family and appreciate their support. Not sure who, what, and where I’ll be in five, ten years’ time, but I suppose the only way to know is to live my life and find out, one breath, one step, and one day at a time.
Jude-Marie Green writes and studies and is owned by two cats.
Liz Beattie is a retired aerospace engineer launching her creative writing career at Cypress College. Stage One: Earn a CC Creative Writing Certificate: on schedule for Fall 2025. Stage two: Keep writing! Liz enjoys humor, wordplay, and a good detective story.
I am Maximus Young, currently 20 years old. I am an aspiring self-taught writer, and I’m currently a major in Communications at Cypress College. I hope to get my literature out there, especially my non-fiction works as they are my most passionate.
Michael Michener is a political activist and lover of fine poetry and literature. A Political Science major from UCI, he is currently enrolled in the Creative Arts Program at Cypress College intent on honing his craft and expanding his love of writing. His works combine commentary on the state of the globe with the everyday emotional roller coasters each of us endure as we navigate this confusing world.
Michael Vu (He/Him) is a computer science major, writing pieces with a melancholic tone that also hold a glint of hope for the future. He doesn’t write often, but when he does, he doesn’t stop until he runs out of inspiration. As hobbies, Michael enjoys walking in nature, listening to music and playing video games. He also likes perusing the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Morgan Larios (They/Them) is a History major set to transfer to CSULB in Fall 2025. They’ve enjoyed writing in their free time from a young age, finding their niche in poetry and songwriting. They plan to continue expanding on their works as their college journey progresses.
How To Feel Desperation: An Immersive Guide to Yearning
Natalia Paredes is a Mexican-American writer, self taught starting age 14. She is currently at Cypress College for an English Major, but also has lots of interest for history and ethnic studies.
If not found hunched over her laptop and/or notebook writing, she is either laying on the couch reading manga or big backing her favorite foods.
Pamela Pedraza Mendoza loves to create — regardless of medium — and is inspired by the most fleeting of moments.
Peacock Secrets is a poet and spoken word artist whose portfolio includes over 130 poems spanning a range of topics, especially social justice, mental health, faith, and women’s strength. She has been published in 4 anthologies, 2 calendars, and 5 newsletter issues. She is grateful to Allah for these rich blessings, and appreciates your readership. You are invited to connect with her on social media @PeacockSecretsPoetry
Suzan Barazani holds an advanced degree in Instructional Design and has dedicated decades to shaping effective learning experiences. Recently, she discovered a passion for poetry, and is currently working toward a Creative Writing Certificate.
Current Issue 2026 