Senior Class: Lola has a dream
February 14, 2023 • 6 Comments • Posted in baseball, careers/jobs for people who are blind, guest blog, memoir writing, teaching memoir, Uncategorized, writing promptsThe “I have a Dream” prompt I assigned writers in my classes last month inspired them to write about dreams they have for the world, for their country, and for their loved ones. Some even wrote about recurring nightmares!
The one that surprised me the most? This flattering essay by today’s guest blogger Lola Hotchkis. She hasn’t achieved her dream yet, but sounds like she’s pretty close!
by Lola Hotchkis
My dream began when email brought me Beth Finke’s late summer newsletter. Having lived in Beth’s hometown of Elmhurst for almost 40 years now, my ears perk up every time she mentions that this suburb would be a prime market for a memoir-writing class like ours.
Now Beth’s newsletter brought more encouragement. The article said, “We need more memoir-writing teachers. I’ve written a Memoir Teacher Masterclass on how to start and run your own memoir-writing course.”
My copy of the Masterclass was downloaded to my computer and I read all the material in one sitting. Beth makes it sound fulfilling and fun for both the students and leader. Of course, first-hand experience tells me it’s so for the students.
I started by developing a business plan. I asked my husband Doug to help by setting up a website. Don’t look for it yet because it doesn’t exist.
Now what?
Looking for a sponsor, I discussed my idea with a programming director at the Elmhurst Public Library. She said, “When I took this job, I was warned to never, ever start a writing class. They tried it once and it was a mess.” What I did learn was that if I just want to rent a conference room without official sponsorship, she can help me.
Next up? An acquaintance who leads a class at Lexington Square and Park Place retirement communities gave me his contacts and said I could use his name. Park Place? No response to email or phone calls. Lexington Square? Fiona, the Enrichment Director, is most enthusiastic. I offered an introductory session for interested residents. They can then decide whether they want to join a class. Fiona promised to draft a notice that she would then post around the building and in their newsletter.
That was early November. Have not yet received a draft.
I talked to her assistant once and she was also very enthusiastic. “We just have to get through the holidays. January would be a great time to start this.”
Since then I was sick with a virus before Christmas. A different virus hit me on Jan. 4. Not COVID, not flu, just a bad head cold. I turned 72 years old on Jan. 2. I’m fatigued with these viruses. Am I really up for this?
Twelve years ago I retired and became free at last. Am I ready to begin a new adventure?
Despite feeling tired and congested, I again contacted Fiona on Jan. 13. Will she answer?
My next steps? The Elmhurst Park District Senior Center. If I can’t find a sponsor, is my dream durable enough to find a room to rent, publicize the class, and try to energize potential students?
So many questions. Not enough answers. It’s like the man who prayed to God to win the lottery. One night God told him, “You have to help me a little. Buy a ticket.”
I’ll never fulfill a dream if I don’t try. Am I up for a new adventure? The answer is a resounding “yes.”
Beth here. I know that a fair number of you blog readers grew up and/or live in Elmhurst, my hometown. If you still have connections there who might be able to help Lola make this a dream come true, please leave a comment here to let us know. I’ll have Lola get in contact with you!