Lyrik will tell you she’s the greatest writer of all time, and she just might make those headlines happen soon. At just 14 years old, she has already performed on stage multiple times, including a recent performance at Town Hall for Seattle Arts and Lectures, where she opened for Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James.

She exudes confidence in both her presence and writing. She'll tell you English Language Arts is her favorite subject in school, where she'll take a poetic approach in every writing prompt presented to her, and that she loves to blend genres.

“I’ve experienced so much even though I’m so young, there’s lots I can write about.” Lyrik says.

She notes that her dream is to keep writing poetry, though she hopes to explore writing stories about her life experiences too.

Like all youth in the Friends of the Children-Seattle (Friends-Seattle) program, Lyrik faces difficult obstacles in her life. Yet, paired with her Professional Mentor, Stephanie, she doesn’t have to face them alone. Since Lyrik was in first grade, Friends-Seattle has committed to providing a full-time Professional Mentor by her side to help her overcome challenges and pursue her passions—every week and every year until Lyrik graduates from high school.

When asked about what it's like spending every week with her mentor, Lyrik says, “Stephanie, [my mentor] and I laugh a lot! I feel I can say anything to her without being judged. I know I can express myself to her. With my writing, I can share my ideas and get feedback from her, she’s just great!”

This is a critical time for Lyrik as she enters her freshman year of high school. Her mentor Stephanie is ready to be there alongside her every step of the way: "Lyrik is entering high school this fall, and I’ll continue to check in where she may want support, but I’m really looking forward to being there to help her plan for college and beyond. I just know that one day I’ll be reading a book she wrote or seeing her on stage when she’s graduated and grown.”

The Friends of the Children-Seattle program focuses on many key areas throughout its 12+ year commitment to each child, one of them being literacy. As concerns grow across the country regarding literacy rates and declining interest in reading and writing, Lyrik reminds us that there is still hope: “More kids should put their stories out into the world, even though we’re kids...we all have something to say no matter how old we are, and we should do so no matter what."

Every young person has a story worth sharing. Help us provide the consistent mentorship youth need to find their voice, pursue their passions, and reach their goals.