I’ve met with my Monday and Thursday classes already, and will return to these Wednesday writers this week.
I assign a topic to the seniors in the three memoir-writing classes I lead each week, the writers go home to write about that topic, and when they return the next week, they read their essays out loud. Written copies don’t get passed around to fellow writers, which means that during class everyone has to, get this: listen. My teaching methods are so simple the classes could lead themselves. As if to prove that point, two of them did just that while I’ve been away the past couple of months: they met without me. I’m proud to have created a system that can work on it’s own, but when cardiologists finally gave me the okay to return to my writing classes this week, I had to wonder: do my classes really need me back?
The answer is no. My absence proved it. Classes don’t need me. The absolutely sensational (and very flattering) fabulous news, though? They seem to want me back. All week long I’ve been welcomed with open arms, big hugs, and some very well-written essays. One example: the homage to memoir-writing that Monna S. Ray read in Monday’s class. She credited Roger Ebert for inspiring her to write through her own challenges. “He said that when he was in the midst of typing a piece on his computer he became whole,” she wrote. “From one who had lost so much, this was a powerful statement about writing.” Monna said putting words on paper helps her reflect on her “life of eight decades,” and brings something new to her life now, too. From her essay:
Writing, I’ve found, can be a meaningful way of making new friendships. By sharing intimate experiences with you and fellow class members we have come to know each other in a unique way. This I have appreciated and treasure.
Monna’s essay also referred to short story writer George Saunders, who says the process of writing is a noble one. Even if you never get published or make a career out of writing, Saunders maintains that the mere act of trying to say something in words builds character and can dignify and improve a person. “So that’s what I’m trying to do in your class, to say something about my life,” Monna concluded. “And in the process, to grow some as a person.”
I’ve grown a lot as a person since I started leading these memoir classes, and I learn so much about writing, and about life, from hearing the stories these seniors read aloud in class every week. I need them far, far more than they need me, and I’ve been without them far too long. It sure feels good to be back.
We do need you, Beth. You are the motivation for writing our stories. Can’t wait to see you on Wednesday.
Nancy
Aha, my plan worked — was hoping a student from class would write and say they needed me — THANK YOU, Nancy!
This is among your more beautiful and gracious posts. Thank you. You keep me humble–and that’s not an easy task:-)
All the good wishes I’ve received since my hospital stay have left me in dire need of a humility lesson — if you’re up to the task, Lauren, I’m all ears…!
Pretty amazing to know how many lives you have influenced in such a positive way. Keep up all your good work and welcome back to the world who obviously needs you. Beth, you are a treasure.
XXO
Susie
Aw, shucks. THANKS, Susie.
The simple fact that YOU are there, or are going to be there makes me sit down to a fresh sheet of paper – there certainly is personal growth involved when writing, but you are the ‘discipline’ factor for me! And HURRAY, I am in on Wednesday!!
So glad you are back (and me too)
Annelore
What a coincidence — I’m glad we’re back, too, Annelore.
I am pleased that you included some of my piece in your blog. I’ve forwarded it to all the family.
I also think you underestimate your teaching the memoir classes. even when you weren’t physically with us your spirit was. We were excited about your time in Vermont (the positive part), and inspired by your writing and joy in living. That’s a lot!
Thanks so much for allowing me to excerpt from your essay here, Monna, and especially, thanks for sending the link on to your family -that makes me feel good!
When students have a great teacher, they model themselves after you, thereby creating that system you described. Creating a system that works even in your absence is the absolute sign of great teaching success and should be the goal of every teacher.
So glad to hear you are back with your classes…can’t say I’m at all surprised that your students seem to want you there!!
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