Carolyn Wang (USA)
Nomination Award
Author’s Bio:
I’m Carolyn Wang, a 16-year-old high school junior from Southern California, USA. I am currently taking two challenging writing courses — Creative Nonfiction and Honors Creative Writing. Both have profoundly influenced my writing ability and style, which in turn greatly helped me in developing the script for this competition — from expressing my personal growth to finding meaning in every line I write.
For the past three years, beyond my academic courses, I have been actively involved in my school’s Technical Theater program, which deepened my fascination with screenwriting and film. In addition, I have been playing the violin for twelve years, which has given me countless opportunities to connect with art on a deeply personal and human level every day.
Awarded Work: Quiet DISCUSSIONS (60 episodes)
Story Synopsis:
Emily is a shy and quiet girl — a trait considered a virtue in Eastern cultures, but often seen as a disadvantage in America. She fears speaking in front of others. Will Emily eventually grow beyond her fears? Will her quiet personality allow her to be accepted into the college she dreams of? Will the university accept her for who she truly is? Her Chinese heritage often clashes with American values, creating a constant cultural tension.
The story begins during Emily’s high school years. When she enters her literature class, she feels nervous and anxious about all the discussions around the books the class will read. At first, she doesn’t speak at all. Her teacher asks why she never participates, and Emily admits that she’s afraid of speaking up or saying something wrong. The teacher then creates a plan with her to gradually get involved in classroom discussions — a process that helps her overcome her fear.
Emily also struggles in a demanding Spanish class, which requires active participation and effort. Her grade drops to a C, and she desperately needs to improve it. How will she survive? She needs encouragement and help from her teachers and friends — but will she receive it? Can she turn things around? At first glance, her quietness seems to cause her a lot of trouble. But can she turn this weakness into strength? Or perhaps, could it even become a blessing in disguise?
In the midst of her academic challenges, Emily finds solace in one of her greatest passions — playing the violin. It allows her to express herself without speaking or trying to please anyone. Through music, she channels emotion and communicates powerfully with her audience. Having played since she was four years old, she has made remarkable progress over the past eleven years. The violin has become her best friend — a source of comfort whenever she feels anxious or emotional. When she performs solos in her orchestra class (with every eye on her, no less), she never disappoints her audience.
With encouragement from her classmates and teachers, Emily eventually conquers her fear. Starting with speaking once a day in class, and gradually increasing to several times, she builds her confidence step by step. While talkative people often get more attention and opportunities, that represents only a quarter of the world. There are many quiet individuals like Emily — successful, compassionate, and deeply valuable to their communities.
This is her story — one that inspires quiet people around the world, giving them hope and showing them that if Emily can do it, they can too. The world needs all kinds of people. Being quiet isn’t always a weakness; it can be a powerful way to bring balance and peace to the world.
Professional Commentary:
This micro-drama centers on Emily, a quiet and introverted Chinese American girl, exploring themes of cultural difference, language anxiety, and self-identity. The dramatic highlight lies in her journey from silence to self-expression — using the violin as an emotional outlet and ultimately rediscovering her confidence in both classroom and life. It is an inspiring short series focusing on the psychological growth of minority youth.
