For many, an eighteenth birthday means a huge party, money, and adulthood. For senior Rachel Wisniewski, it meant her first published book.

“I’ve been writing and drawing since I was able to pick up a pencil; it’s always been my preferred creative outlet over anything,” Wisniewski said.

“Please Do Not Cuss” was published Aug. 29 2017 as a surprise present from her father. The children’s book was written and illustrated entirely by Wisniewski herself during the creative writing class she took junior year. She aims to encourage children to avoid using explicit language with Dr. Suess-esque humor.

John Miller, her creative writing teacher last year, believes she has a very strong work ethic.

“I think a lot of people walk around with good ideas but to take that next step of publishing and getting it out there—I’m just so proud of her for getting it out there,” Miller said.
One of her biggest motivations to create art stem from her family and friends.

“Both my mom and my dad have been super supportive of my art and any path I choose to follow,” said Wisniewski.

Besides her interests in writing and drawing, Wisniewski also enjoys theatre. She was involved with South’s recent production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” in which she played the character Elsa von Grossenknueten, an eccentric, adventure-seeking woman.

Just this past summer, Wisniewski interned at the Chicago Children’s Theatre. There, she was an apprentice where she helped kids practice and perform for their families in plays and musicals.
Aside from being involved in South’s drama club, Wisniewski is also a part of the literary magazine and recently joined table top games.

Wisniewski also enjoys silk-screening, a printing technique for clothing that allows the creator to transfer ink onto the item similar to the way a stencil works.

“She taught me a lot of what I know about fashion,” said Sam Kazmierowski, a senior and close friend of Wisniewski’s, “In sophomore year, she would pick out my clothes for me.”