Submission Guidelines

We’re not looking for perfect stories. We are looking for real stories. Whether your business made thousands or never left the idea stage, your experience matters. Submissions should be personal reflections on what you tried to build and what went right, what went wrong, as well as what you learned. Write like you're talking to another student who’s figuring it out just like you. We accept essays around 400–800 words, but we care more about clarity and honesty than word count. If it’s meaningful and authentic, we’ll work with you to make it shine.

 FAQs

  • Any student. High school, college, gap year. If you’ve attempted to build or run something, we want to hear about it.

  • We publish honest reflections on student ventures. They could be about businesses, side hustles, failed startups, passion projects, school clubs, events, anything you tried to make real. Success is great, but lessons and effort matter more.

  • Yes. You can choose to use your first name only, a pseudonym, or go fully anonymous. Just let us know when you submit.

  • Yes. We are looking for thoughtful, high-level reflections. You don’t need to be a perfect writer, but your piece should be clear, structured, and meaningful. We want your voice to shine through, and we’re happy to help with light editing, but this is a journal, not a text thread. Treat it like something you’d be proud to show a future school, employer, or collaborator.