Stories let us share information in a way that creates an emotional connection. Story structure is crucial for all types of creators, providing a path with peaks, valleys, twists, and turns that make stories unforgettable. A small club called Storybuilding Club brings these ideas to life.

Storybuilding Club is one of the more recently created clubs, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t attracted an audience. The club encourages creative story writing and provides ideas for original stories with or without art.

“We founded [Storybuilding Club] so we could give people who have passion and creativity for writing original stories a place to go when the school’s curriculum doesn’t allow for creative writing,” said President Sophia Loriso (11).

The five leaders create activities to engage club members and encourage them to express their creativity and passion for storytelling. This year’s plans include improving writing skills through short lessons that can be applied to stories, as well as showcasing members’ work.

“I want to help others create creative stories and give them advice on how to make their stories better,” said Vice President Emily Nakasaki (11).

Meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in room H118, AP U.S. History teacher Mr. Luis Urena’s room. This is the first club that Urena is advising that focuses on writing and creative aspects.

“Sophia approached me and asked me, and I love to see kids enthusiastic about anything,” said Urena. “So it wasn’t so much of the topic, it was just Sophia‘s enthusiasm for it. I would love to help her. She needed an advisor, and I was lectured.”

With Loriso and Nakasaki’s high school years flying by, their time as leaders is coming to a close. They hope for many positive developments for the future of the club, such as attracting members who share their passion for writing and keeping the joke story, “The Rat That Ate Obesity Chummy,” an urban legend of sorts throughout the school, alive.

“I hope the club can be a thriving community for creatives and artists to collaborate and work together,” said Nakasaki.

Storybuilding Club at Ayala inspires creative writing and collaboration, aiming for a vibrant community where members share stories and ideas, hoping to establish an enduring legacy within the school.