I recently went back to my old elementary school to visit one of my teachers and talk to two of her classes about how I have used writing both inside and outside the classroom. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous going in (fourth and fifth graders can be intimidating). But a large part of that fear came from the fact that I was afraid I wasn't going to have anything interesting to say. Sometimes you don't realize how exciting your life can seem until you see it from an outside perspective. I knew that this group of kids was extremely impressionable and that they were going to be listening intently to every word I said. No pressure.
However, after the initial introductions were all through and I gave my speech, I was greeted with nothing but excitement and genuine interest from both groups of students. Being able to look into the eyes of these kids and see such a strong desire for information and knowledge was incredibly inspirational and humbling. It reminded me of who I was when I was there age and just how much I have grown as a person and as a writer. It made me think a lot about where I started and as I looked around the classroom I was able to see myself in a lot of the students and felt incredibly nostalgic of what an amazing part of life they are in right now.
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Not only was I impressed with their questions and full blown interest (and that some of them were even taking notes), but also how mature and creative they were. A large part of the fifth grade class told me that they started a writing club. When the students finish their classwork, they meet in a part of the classroom and read each other their short stories and small snippets of writing, then proceed to edit and give each other feedback. This is not a part of their curriculum and everything they do for it they do on their own time. The passion that they had for this little club was incredible and being able to see their faces light up with pride when they talked about it warmed my heart and was beyond inspiring.
I was able to see how receptive and open minded these kids were and it really gave me hope for the future. The importance of reading and writing can sometimes get lost, but these kids have definitely found it. I am so grateful to have been lucky enough to speak with them and have open dialogue about something I am so passionate about. I just hope that I inspired them half as much as they inspired me. These kids are the future, and it's so important to talk to them and listen to their ideas, because they can teach you so much. I now have that knowledge. It's so easy to get caught up in your own trifles and the desperate act of chasing after a blind tomorrow and forget that sometimes you just have to look right in front of you to find exactly what you are looking for, and I send a huge thank you to these students for helping me realize that.
