Zoë (16) writes poetry collection about school struggles: "How do you explain this to people?"

Sixteen-year-old Zoë has published a poetry collection titled De Grote Deuren, which explores the significant performance and social pressures she encountered during her time at the Montessori Lyceum in Amsterdam. Initially written in a private notebook to process her experiences, the poems were later developed as a school project. The collection captures her struggle with mental health, including severe anxiety and panic attacks that impacted her attendance and made explaining her situation to peers difficult. Her psychologist and Dutch teacher encouraged her to share these writings, which eventually caught the attention of publisher Luitingh-Sijthoff. The publisher praised Zoë for her mature ability to reflect on her own emotions and observe the world around her. Now that her work is available in bookstores, Zoë expresses pride in the achievement while continuing to manage her mental well-being. She emphasizes that while things are significantly better for her today, she remains mindful of the ongoing process of navigating life and her current responsibilities.