Resilience often blooms in unexpected places. For Crystal Calanca, writing has become much more than a creative outlet, it has been a lifeline in the face of daunting challenges. As a single parent navigating sobriety and facing financial hardship, Crystal has faced more than her share of adversity.
Crystal found a sense of belonging and hope through the community writing group hosted by Write Around Portland at the Alano Club. The writing group provided the space for her creative journey to evolve. During the weekly sessions, Crystal discovered the freedom to share her story, confront barriers, and build resilience, all while supporting her fellow participants.
Writing became a transformative practice for Crystal, giving her the opportunity to process her experiences and turn hardship into meaning. Through the act of putting pen to paper in Write Around Portland’s inclusive setting, she found clarity and the courage to address both internal and external struggles. The vulnerability of sharing her work within a supportive community allowed her to break the silence around her challenges and connect with others who understood.
“Well, I’ve always believed this is true: But [the writing group] really drove home the point that every single person’s story matters. It doesn’t need to be gatekept by academia or class issues. What matters is are we putting the truth on the page?” Crystal said.
For Crystal, writing isn’t just about putting words on a page, it’s about forging community, reclaiming possibility, and finding the strength to move forward, no matter what obstacles may arise.
Crystal’s work can be found in our Fall 2024 anthology, I’m the Ink.