Fareena Arefeen, 17, says she prefers to write instead of participating in other teenage activities.
She beat out 40 other Houston-area students for the title of "Youth Poet Laureate." She wrote five poems, including one about her meaning of Houston.
"I feel like it's a really fantastic way of release," Arefeen said.
She says she owes a lot of her talent and success to her mother, who is also an artist.
After immigrating from Bangladesh, Arefeen's mother continues to work at a gas station to support her family. Her dedication seems to be a driving force for her children.
"She's such a strong woman and everyday I am just so thankful I have her in life," Arefeen added.