Welcome to elementia, a magazine edited and designed by teenagers in the Kansas City metro area and published by Johnson County Library. elementia takes on a new theme each year; this year’s submissions were inspired by Humanity.

From last fall to this spring, our editors sought the infinite connections that humanity encompasses across generations, distances and cultures. We read and examined pieces that covered the raw, innate human experience from tales of love, heartbreak and friendship, to nostalgia, grief and more. We searched for the deep emotions that resonated with us beyond the page, the ideas, emotions and memories that could bridge the gap between the writers and artists and you, the reader. Many thoughtful hours of work and dedication have brought forth the distinctive feelings of joy, pain, angst, melancholy and in between — the interconnected stories that make us human. It can be difficult to express our human identity; we share overlapping perspectives and perceptions in boundless ways, yet possess a unique body with individual thoughts and beliefs. Despite this, our team has selected uplifting works that best exemplify the intricate complexity of being a human. Our young artists and writers have put their ideas and views to paper, illustrating and conveying heavy aspects of varying relatable human experiences. We are pleased with our submitters for their bravery and vulnerability in sharing their worldviews and viewpoints on intense topics through their remarkable artistic techniques and language.

Teens, elementia now invites you to submit your original pieces of writing and art that explore the theme of Legacy. Share with us your experiences concerning the impact we leave behind, the traditions we cherish and the changes we attempt to create in our evolving lives. This is your chance to display your voice, your visions and your stories — what will your legacy be? Find more information about how to submit your works for next year’s issue on our back page!