Looking back, I honestly cannot recall a time when Kiwibox was not a part of my life. I have been a member of this teen magazine since I was just fourteen years old. I still remember when I received an email invitation from my then-best friend, Jenni. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

For those of you who have known me, you are probably aware that my eyes are emerald green and my birthstone is also the emerald, and therefore, I became "Emerald" for all intents and purposes. Though that is not my real name, it is often how I have thought of myself over the years. The nickname became a very real part of who I was and am still today, just as Kiwibox very quickly became a real and integral part of my life.

I was a devoted reader of articles and enthusiastic poster on postboards (especially the poetry board). I entered contest after contest and played game after game. In sum, I literally spent hours every day on Kiwibox.com. Soon, I became interested in KiwiJobs. Over time, I took on the duties of a Reporter, then an Associate Editor and eventually a Senior Editor. At one point, I was also a KiwiHelper, then Super KiwiHelper and, finally, I was the Chief Helper before I stepped down and Susan took over. In addition, I enjoyed being an Advisor, News Team member and a KiwiScout. As you can see, at one point or another, I have held every position possible on Kiwibox, and to this day, I admit to having a certain level of pride over this.


Over the years, my life changed just as everyone's does. I became very active in high school then college. My life began to revolve around classes, extra-curricular activities, friends and relationships. Over the past couple years, I have truly entered the adult world as I graduated from college and began my full-time career. Other priorities slowly took over and, unfortunately, Kiwibox had to eventually take a backseat to the rest of my life.

At 24 years old, I am happy to say that I have been a member of Kiwibox for over a decade. I was one of its very first members, and I still login a couple times each week or so to check in and see how things are progressing. While I am not the avid Kiwiboxer I once was, this website and the friends I made here will always hold a special place in my heart.

In the end, I know that it has worked out. Everyone and everything has a time to start, to thrive and to come to an end. My time drew to a close so that others, younger and able to devote more time than I was able, could continue to carry the torch and make Kiwibox the amazing site it is today. Thank you to Lin, Mike, Liz and all of the original Big Kiwis for giving us all something special and unique. Thank you for letting me be such a major part of it for awhile, and thank you for letting me continue to observe from the sidelines today.

Happy 10th Anniversary, Kiwibox.