PDG Graduation Speech

Many people proclaim that skills and relationships are more valuable than physical goods. In fact, it has become something of a mantra in this modern world- people say it to sound intelligent and wise. However, look around. Who acts like it? The Paper Doll Gang is one of the few places I’ve seen that does.

Reflecting now, I realize how much I have gained from my time at the Paper Dolls. I’ve made friends, improved my skills and most importantly had loads of fun! The atmosphere that comes from a group set up solely to help, for no commercial benefit of its own, is simply something that cannot be replicated.

Coming into the Paper Dolls, I thought it would be a bit of fun. I mainly joined in a ‘spirit of the moment’ type thing, even though the class had already begun. I’m so glad I did. I can safely say that the Paper Dolls has set me up in this community better than anything else could have. A network of friends, knowledge of all the in and outs (even how to make actual in and outs!) of WdC… it’s the best starting a writer could ask for.

While I would have eventually learnt about campfires and contests, nothing can replace the connection I now feel to this community. I admit, I have a habit of staying on a site for a while, getting bored and moving on. When I first joined WdC, that was what I expected to happen- I’d post my ten items, come back to read the reviews and then go to a new site, a new novelty. Less than a week in, though, I was gifted with a membership. Now I could make hundreds of items. I was excited, naturally, but didn’t know how long I’d keep the membership up. Another couple weeks and I found the Paper Dolls. After everything I’ve learnt, all that I’ve been given and meeting all the people here… somehow I don’t see myself moving on anymore. I expect to stay here a long time.

Winston Churchill once said: I am easily satisfied with the very best.That seems to be what I’ve found here. Thank you to everyone involved for opening my eyes. I hope someday I can do the same for someone else.

The Paper Doll Gang is more than a group. It is more than contests, challenges, reviews and rewards (although those are good too!). It is a family committed to making all of WdC better, one author at a time.