Whether in Albany Road meetings or when discussing poetry in the English classroom, Sydney Bebon ‘19 always brings energy and motivation. As the Editor-in-Chief of Albany Road and an enthusiastic writer, Bebon uses her passion for writing to provoke dialogue on pressing issues as well as simply sharing her voice through the medium which she loves.
Bebon attributes her passion for writing to her mother and Adrienne Rich, an American poet, essayist, and feminist. Without any intention, Bebon’s love for writing grew as began writing as much as she read. And as she progressed from an aspiring writer, Bebon realized that writing was more than a mere passion.
Inspired by her mother, Bebon feels that, through writing, she is empowered to shed light on uncomfortable topics such as racism and sexism. As Adrienne Rich once told her, “There is no simple formula for the relationship of art to justice…Art means nothing if it simply decorates the dinner table of power which holds it hostage.”
When asked about the significance of her writing, Bebon replied, “Creative writing has the power to illuminate narratives and voice narratives that might not have been heard before. I think this has immense power for empathy and change for individuals and communities.”
Bebon matches this spirit with the vivacity and creativity she expresses in the classroom. As English Teacher Delano Copprue, who taught Bebon in American Studies last year, noted, “Sydney came into Studies a poet, yet even within the academic nature of the Studies class, she found a way of bringing the fullness of her creativity to everything she produced.”
Bebon has demonstrated use of this creativity with her management of Albany Road, augmenting the magazine’s influence through an online website, instagram features, and writing workshops throughout the year.
Under her leadership, the publication has grown to include up to thirty-five students on its board.
Harbour Woodward ‘19, who works with Bebon as the Managing Editor of Albany Road, remarked, “During those few minutes of our first “meeting,” her infectious energy put me at ease as we bounced ideas for the magazine off of each other. She is clearly an adept leader who can command a room but also efficiently delegate tasks and entrust her teammates to carry out a vision.” Bebon employs this same tenacity and vision in all her writing, and she has been published in Albany Road, the most recent little brown house review. Her poem “Nocturnal Paramour” will be published on the online review Young Adult Review Network in the spring. In addition to her rigorous academic life and countless productions of writing, she has also participated in several Deerfield plays since her freshman year. Bebon also joined Deerfield’s Chorus program and is currently doing research for a peer writing center. In the future, Bebon hopes to use her skills as a writer to create lasting change not only in the Deerfield community, but in the world.