My name is Christa Jane Rhodes -- known to most of my school friends as Tina. I began loving and writing poetry when I was in 3rd grade. [Thanks to my Aunt Betty or none of this would have been possible.]

My favorite things to do are write and read. I am 16yrs old and am in 10th grade at Comstock Park High School. One of my biggest dreams is to meet Maya Angelou.

I have one of my poems -- "Love of Music" -- in a book called Seasons of Change. Another one of my poems -- "True Friends" -- has been published in a book. And I already have "Open Mind" included in four books!

The reason why I write poetry about my feelings is because I have Selective Mutism. I can usually talk in front of close friends and family; but in public places I physically can not speak a word. . At school is one of the hardest places to talk; it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I physically am not able to make a sound. But I want you to get to know my thoughts [and me] even when I can't talk about myself or any of my ideas out loud…so I write poetry!

Thoughts from an Open Mind is my first book and I am so happy to share it with you! I hope you enjoy it -- and get to know who I am!