Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Zihan “Emily” Wu ’23 said she has a hard time saying goodbye.

In April, however, she said hello – hello to an award from one of the biggest writing competitions in the region.

Emily’s personal narrative entry of “Memory in Song” earned a Silver Key from the Massachusetts Scholastic Art & Writing Award Contest, which draws students in Grades 7-12 from throughout the state.

Quotes from Emily:

Emily on her “Memory in Song” piece: “I wrote it to rekindle the memories of the past, the people that passed and the melodies that were lingering in my heart.”

Emily on the meaning behind her personal narrative: “Life is like a train that runs with no return. Everyone has their own departure stations and destinations. The hardest thing for me to overcome is parting. While every goodbye or farewell makes me grow, the sudden emptiness tells me that we are all alone. Every encounter will eventually become a parting just like the people I encounter on my train ride would eventually leave at their destinations. I wish to appreciate every encounter and cherish (all of the) scenery out of the window that I shared with people. I hope that the memories will eventually become a beautiful vision and hope for the future, making me strong and graceful in the face of all.”

Emily on winning a writing award: “I was glad that I could win an award in this contest. Because I don’t usually talk much, I wish my words and sentences would express my emotions and feelings of everything surrounding me, letting people experience my inner world.”