Hello & welcome! My name is Saya Shamdasani (she/her) & I am a second-year student at Northwestern University. I fell in love with storytelling the moment I finished my first chapter book. Soon enough, I was telling stories about everything: my bus rides to school, the puppy I saw on my way to dance class, & the boy in the park who always ate the sponge-bob ice pop. As I grew up, I wanted to find a home for my stories, & what better home than a piece of paper? Sharing my stories with the world is simultaneously the most terrifying and gratifying feeling. I started easily with family & close friends, slowly working my way up to competitions & school magazines. Now, I am featured in the Wall Street Journal & a storyteller on The Moth Podcast. I am also the founder of Crossed Paths, a youth-led creative writing magazine that celebrates personal stories. As a young adult with a few more years under my belt, my creative writing work explores my identity & culture as opposed to cute puppies & ice pops. I’m hoping you’ll take a few moments to read & listen to my stories. ♡