I’m not sure that is a bad thing necessarily. It just is. Like everyone, we make priorities. Mine has been throwing all my time and effort into creating a new program for students. It has not been an easy task, but very worthwhile.
We spent this past quarter writing and reading about identity. What it means to develop one, defend it, and further define it. There have been great discussions and the beginnings of developing a writing community. Paul Allison over at www.youthvoices.live has been one of my most determined supports and mentors. He has quietly and patiently pushed me to create a space for my students on their site. It has been years in the making in my head actually, as I have popped into this wonderful space many times lurking around looking at the work of others and trying to develop the time and space to have my writers join them. This was the year.
Our program is in the early stages of development as a writing community. If you came in to sit and write with us, you would discover that many of us do not see ourselves as writers… yet. But this project has launched the idea that we all have stories. We all need to be heard, and if we are brave enough to share our stories out loud, the world becomes a better place. My words had to take a back seat so I could spend the time helping them develop theirs. Here are a few examples of the work we have begun together.
A New Digital Home
This is where I spent my quarter, alongside these young voices who have never put anything out into the world in such a big way. I don’t mind being silent to listen and then empower these writers to speak their truth. Please take a moment to check out these podcasts. More will be coming over the next few weeks, these were the first brave voices to step out and I couldn’t be more proud. HSHMC Youth Voices Site
