THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 28 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2026 t h etchoenc no encnt ei oc nt i son j s. cnoj .mc o m BACK SCHOOL Exciting. that times new roman font the stretched hours, doodling eyes the homework on the table, a subtle taunt the mystery food, served with fries the tired raised hands the monotone voices murmuring the pledge in early morning, take a stand the pencil, like patience, tipping off the edge the best-friends eyes-only communication the laughter in the hallways break and bus being our only salvation they make it seem more bearable- those Mondays maybe it's not that cool, but it's exciting, isn't it, going back to school? Poetry submissions: info@theconnectionsnj.com A Poet’s Playground Celebrating the Creativity and Voices of our Local Young Writers Exciting By Hamsini T. Grade 10, Hillsborough HS Since launching The Bloom Project, I’ve been encouraged by the support it has received. I reached out to local schools, including Somerville High School and Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights, and both were excited to partner with the project. I delivered hundreds of handmade corsage rings; each individually wrapped with a positive message inside. Guidance counselors plan to keep them on hand and distribute them to students who may need a little encouragement, a reason to smile, or simply a reminder that someone cares. The project has also expanded beyond local schools. I recently partnered with Children’s Aid, a nonprofit organization in New York City, which requested more than 100 floral corsage rings for its middle and high school graduates. Knowing these handmade gifts will be part of such an important milestone for students makes every ring I create even more meaningful. I am always looking to partner with additional schools, nonprofits, treatment centers, shelters, and organizations that support teens. Any organization interested in bringing The Bloom Project to the young people they serve is welcome to reach out to me through the project’s Instagram page, @the_bloom_project2026. Together, we can help ensure that more teens feel celebrated, supported, and reminded that they matter. Michelle Loia is a senior at Watchung Hills Regional High School. During her free time, she enjoys crafting and making jewelry. When she’s not creating, she enjoys music, Pilates, and spending time with friends. She looks forward to applying to colleges in the fall and hopes to major in public relations and minor in psychology. s a senior at Watchung Hills Regional High School, I’ve been fortunate to experience many of the milestones that make high school and being a teen so memorable. Those experiences filled me with happiness, but they also made me stop and think-I realized how lucky I am. Not every teenager gets the chance to celebrate life’s important moments. For some, financial hardship makes dances, birthdays, graduations, and other milestones out of reach. Others face challenges such as mental health struggles, unstable home lives, foster care, residential treatment, illness, or social isolation. Some simply don’t have anyone to recognize their achievements or remind them they matter. That realization inspired me to start The Bloom Project, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to bringing joy to teens who may otherwise miss out on life’s special occasions. I have begun creating handmade, mini, floral corsage rings-small wearable bouquets designed to make someone feel seen and celebrated. Each one is handcrafted with silk flowers, pearls, ribbons, and embellishments. To many people, it’s just a small flower ring. To someone receiving it, it can mean so much more. It can remind a young person that even during difficult times, they are worthy of kindness, recognition, and hope. High school should be a time filled with memories, friendships, and celebrations. While every student’s experience is different, I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel special at least once. A simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impact, especially for someone who may be struggling. TEEN VOICE The Bloom Project: Celebrating Every Teen, One Moment at a Time By Michelle Loia A
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzA2NDY0