After graduation, I wanted to work for 'Sassy', which I loved, but it had folded. So I wound up at 'Seventeen' for three years on staff and two as a contributor, and I wrote these great stories that nobody ever believes 'Seventeen' does. Serious stories for teens about social justice issues - gun control, migrant farm workers.

In this quote, Gayle Forman reflects on the early part of her career after graduation. She shares her initial aspiration to work for 'Sassy', a popular teen magazine she admired, but it had folded by the time she was ready to begin her career. Instead, she found herself working at 'Seventeen', where she spent three years on staff and two as a contributor. Despite it not being her original choice, Forman embraced the opportunity and used her platform to write serious stories about important social justice issues, including gun control and the lives of migrant farm workers.

Forman’s mention of these stories highlights her commitment to addressing serious topics in a publication often seen as light or focused on fashion and entertainment. She points out the contrast between the typical content expected from 'Seventeen' and the more thought-provoking and socially conscious pieces she contributed. This reveals her desire to challenge the norms and present readers with content that was both engaging and meaningful, even if it wasn’t always well-received or believed by others.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Forman’s own experiences at 'Seventeen', where she faced the challenge of writing stories that were not typical for a teen magazine. As an established author, Forman has continued to write about complex social and emotional issues, and her time at 'Seventeen' helped shape her voice as a writer committed to exploring deeper themes. Her work there was part of her larger mission to give young readers the tools to understand and engage with the world around them.

Through this quote, Forman emphasizes the importance of using one’s platform to address issues that matter, even when they might not align with popular expectations. Her experience at 'Seventeen' shows how even in seemingly superficial spaces, there is potential to write about social justice and advocate for important change.