While campus was closed and students were scattered around the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic, school communities were forced to find new ways to remain connected.

WAB Grade 11 TianTian Xu took it upon herself to find a solution for her classmates. She took on the role of Editor in Chief of Inkblot, WAB’s student-run magazine, with a goal of using storytelling to bring one another together.

“We’re all going through the same 2020, and everything that’s been going on has been crazy, but everyone’s crazy has been different,” TianTian said. “(Through Inkblot), we can share our unique experiences, have a better understanding of each other, and find the type of connection we’re looking for.”

(Scan the QR code to follow Inkblot on WeChat.)

Historically a student-run, print magazine at WAB, TianTian made a decision over the summer to push forward with a digital issue, transitioning the publication to WeChat, a popular online platform for messaging and social media. The transition was yet another example of how the challenges of 2020 forced school communities to change.

“Right from the beginning of the year, there was an intention to involve and reach people who are everywhere and anywhere,” said WAB Teacher Logan Brennan-Sawyer, who serves as the club’s faculty advisor. “This past year, all of our experiences have been s

o different, and this has been a really good way to come together and share with our members of the community.”

For TianTian, this year has been the start of a journey with her staff that she is excited and proud of. While Inkblot’s first issue was themed around the different experiences our students had in during the pandemic, the group is looking ahead to a new set of stories for their second issue in November.

“We want this to reflect the times that we’re living through,” TianTian said. “I have heard so many comments about how happy people are to read these stories. We have so much to learn from each other, and I’m so proud of everyone on our team.”