I am Michelle Tan, a twelve-year-old with a sweet tooth. A student of Bukit Panjang Primary School, I wrote “Adventure in Atlantia” when I was eleven. An avid reader, I enjoy reading books of all genres, especially fantasy and mystery novels. Listening to music is also one of my favourite pastimes. YAS taught me to generate ideas quickly and also opened my eyes to the difference between a composition and a story. Through the program, I learned to turn my ideas into an original story. The satisfaction I experienced when I saw my story coming together was indescribable. My first book was written when I was five. I still remember vividly the pride and joy I felt when I witnessed my family enjoying my picture book. Writing empowers me by allowing a shy girl like me to express myself freely and to control the way I want my story to be told.