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!