Birth entails growth. Our first issue was received by an attentive readership
–parents, students and teachers alike– who valued this new medium for writing
and literary production at Gimnasio Campestre. In our first issue, we started
looking for a distinct voice; we tried defining its form and content in such a way
that C(h)arácter would express diversity and inclusion. It would include
published work from the youngest to the oldest, showing the multiple
possibilities to narrate our own versions of the world.
This second issue of our bilingual literary magazine continues its quest for a
unique style and form. The most notorious change of C(h)arácter’s is its
increase in length (almost twice the amount of published work than our first
issue) which not only shows the increasing number of work produced in
approximately two months, but exposes the proficiency levels of the students to
write in both English and Spanish.
We have also noticed constant talents that display versatility and discipline
which are published again in this second issue. From Elementary School, we
have Sebastián Ariza with his narrations based on intuitive compositions and
expressionistic colors, and Miguel Gutiérrez with his strong writing skills using
dialogue where he manages to encapsulate a whole narrated universe. From
High School, we have Martin Della Rota demonstrating an acute language
sensibility through his very specific lyrical voice. In addition, readers will find
José Alejandro Escobar, –the winner of the San Jorge de Plata, the Myths and
Legends Contest and the Fantastic Literature Contest. In his three highly
imaginative pieces, he connects us to his fictional world of adventures that
concern the universe around us. We have a remarkable participation in English
writing by third and fourth graders and a special comic series based on The
Lord of the Flies by selected students from tenth grade. We also celebrate a
new section started by Santiago Negret titled Critics' Corner, where students
will be given an opportunity to try their skills on essays, reflective and nonfiction writing. This will enable students to have a creative, unique section to
develop critical thinking, a fundamental aspect in all writing.
Finally, we want to highlight a new member of our writing community, Sebastian
Morera, a student from the Foundation Promoción Humana. Through clear use
of symbols, his story reveals the inner horror of a threatened family. We hope
he inspires more students from Promoción Humana to write for our future
issues.
Enjoy reading our magazine.
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