The Writing Lives Story Project

dmedina@kent.edu

In the spring of 2008, I was enrolled in David Hassler’s class Teaching Poetry in the Schools. Two times a week, my partner Samantha and I conducted poetry workshops at the Miller South School for Visual & Performing Arts in Akron, Ohio with fourth and seventh grade students.

The inspiration in the classroom was reciprocal. The students were eager to listen, to write, and to share—even though individuals needed time to find confidence in their abilities. We encouraged the students to consider themselves as observers of the world; each voice is valid and every experience worth comment. By the end of the semester, every one of the students had shared an original piece. Teaching has affirmed my notion that creative writing has the ability to develop one’s self-esteem and to help discover one’s self-identity.

I enjoyed dispelling students’ preconceived notions about poetry—rigid rhyme scheme and form—by sharing contemporary work that triggered their own creative processes. I feel honored to have allowed this outlet for a younger generation whose capability is measured in standardized testing and grades.

Working with the students has made me understand that this is the world I want to be in; this is the type of work I want to do. I believe that expression is one of the few certainties of existence, and I feel fortunate to have shared how poetry can channel expression.

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