I know that Steve is also a leaker and loves telling stories of his students, the reformations through young adult literature, and the power of a good book (that always when the tears arrive). It seemed fitting, then, that I received a message from a young man during Ellen Hopkin's address at yesterday's conference - one that came from a young man who attended CWP-Fairfield's Project Citizen two years in a row. With us, he read Matt de la Peña's Superman, Rose Brock's Hope Nation, Jason Reynold's Long Way Down, Ellen Oh's Flying Lessons & Other Stories, Lamar Giles' Fresh Ink, and Nic Stone's Dear Martin. He texted me,
Hey Bryan, I’ve finally figured out what I want to do, and that is to shoot for the Air Force Academy. After I graduated, I felt lost and didn’t know what to do with my life. But, thinking back to the time I spent with you guys at Fairfield U, I remembered to be set on higher education. I’d like to thank you for not only your mentorship but also all that you’ve done for me outside of that. The open discussions we had, the comfortable environment, and the Saugatuck Storyfest events, where I was introduced to people who had reached success in their lives, allowed me to see that there is a path for me to be truly successful if I’m willing to work hard for it. The Writing Project is part of the reason why I’ve chosen this path to serve our country and why I’m determined to go after my dreams. I hope you’re doing well, D-.
Now, here's a kid who came to us on scholarship after his teacher said, "You need to see what this kid can do with words." He was on the peripheral of how his school 'recognized' students and I remember vividly his discussion about the ways he was positioned as can't-do and lazy. He knew what was up, but the school curriculum made him feel there was no purpose (or reason) for him to achieve. In our programs, he was a rock star. He wrote voraciously, and schooled many in his careful, intellectual, and brilliant way. It was young adult literature, good conversations, and an open writer's notebook that initiated a wanderlust of ideas for him.
Ah....a great way to end the conference, with a note from a kid.
After, I picked up Chitunga, now 25, and began reflecting on his reading trajectory, the collection of YA literature he's always kept by his bed (a super fan of Matt de la Peña and Walter Mosley) and how books have always been life-changing for him. He went the numerical route, of course, works for a big 4 company, and has his digs of his own, but I realize it is (and was) great books that guided his path. "I'm not into you humanities people," he once told me, but I know he's a reader and am thankful he's always piecing his life together through narrative, story-telling, and memory.
I cannot thank the organizers of the UNLV Summit enough for the labor, stress, hard work, and passion they put into the program. I know the authors and presenters often get the accolades, but I'm a behind-the-scenes-kind-of guy and recognize the brilliance it takes to pull off an event like they did.
The text from our Project Citizen student, followed by a hike with Chitunga (& Karalynn Karma Cupcake) brought everything into perspective. This is what the work is really about....helping young people to cultivate their own paths.
Thank you authors and presenters for engaging my thinking for 3 days. You've provided incredible fuel.
Here's to getting outside and enjoying a hike with the people (& pets) you love most.
Here's to the gigantic cyber-hug I'm leaving Steve, Gretchen, and Sarah.
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