All it took was the eight words “Would you like to join us for lunch?” to cement a new sense of belonging that I starved for but found the need malnourished over the past few months.
I usually ignore Facebook advertisements; lately, I see more ads about “Make six figures copywriting” than I see posts from friends and family. One particular post stood out from the Poetry Foundation; the literary organization was promoting a conference for teachers at the University of Miami. At first I thought, like all conferences, the Teacher Institute conference would set me back at a few hundred dollars. I clicked on the link and was taken to an application. I kept looking for hidden costs, yet I needed to budget for was airfare!
Semi-Free conference in MIAMI! You bet I hopped on that deal.
Thus began what Pixar’s Inside Out calls a “core memory”. I went to the conference and came back with a renewed confidence I didn’t know I could cultivate. To unpack the impact of the conference needs to be handled gently and microscopically. Today’s post is first of multiple where my experience can grow organically. A special thank you to the Poetry Foundation and O Miami for an incredible experience!
Janet Wong was one of the first presenters at the conference (I’ll speak more about this incredible poet in the next post). This poem is for you Janet.
Poem Title: Today I a Someone Who
Today I am someone who sheds her shy
and to a new face I say “hi”
Today I am someone who shooes away the voices who say you don’t belong here, you’re an imposter”
Instead, I someone who seeks new friendships to foster
“
Today I am someone who was asked to lunch
by the living legend, Janet Wong
Today I stumbled into belonging and acceptance I craved for so long
Today I sit at a table the University of Miami’s bustling dining hall
Surrounded by word wizards having a ball
I am finally seated at the cool kids table
I’m wrapped in giddy awe, like I’m in a fantastical fable
Today I am someone who always remembers to smile and say hello
Someone who more and more unglues her eyes from the sidewalk below
Someone one with melody in each step
And a voice filled with courage, encouragement and pep”
Thanks Janet!
The Bashful Butterfly 
Leah, I hope your right ear was itching during our lunch because, while you were talking to someone on your end of the table, I was busy commenting on your poem and how fabulous it was to have someone self-described as “shy” shed that quality during a 3-minute poetry quick-write (and a quick-chat the next day). You definitely immersed yourself in the institute and I am so thrilled to know that I played a small part in this super-neat core memory! I hope you keep on writing lots of poems this year. I feel good knowing that you’ll be inspiring your students to write poems, too!!
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Thank you Ms. Janet! As the new school year starts, I’m gearing up to make writing a integral part of my routine. Thank you for your support and kindness. We’ll be in touch!
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