7th grade class from St. Paul Lutheran School
It was never in my life plan to be a writer or an author. But I’m so glad I followed the path that led me to this the past nine years as it has been an enjoyable ride so far.
Today I met with the 7th grade class at St. Paul Lutheran school. They are a small class of only six students. They are currently working on writing their own children’s stories and had emailed me asking if I’d come to their classroom to talk about writing and publishing. A free lunch was the bribe and I got to pick pizza. It worked!
So I was there to inspire them though none of them plan to be a writer or author someday. But I must say, they inspired me with their questions and stories. At one point I asked each of them what they wanted to be when they grow up. A policeman, a teacher, a mechanic, a ballet dancer, a youth speaker, and a pawn shop owner. And you know what? I could see each of them being just exactly what they said!
They asked me what it was that I wanted to be when I was their age. I couldn’t remember. But I do remember loving clothes and fashion which I shared with them, and that is what I did do for twelve years of my life, working at Kohl’s Department store as Visual Merchandiser. I enjoyed that job very much. But one important thing I wanted them to remember is that no matter what they set out to do that if they change their minds and take a different route, that is okay too.
It was a joy hearing about the stories they are working on and the lessons they hope their readers will take away from their books. They will actually be publishing their books through a print on demand company and the books will be available in their school library for the younger students to check out and read. I think this is such a win-win thing all the way around!
So even though I can’t remember what it was I wanted to be when I grew up, I was inspired listening to these young minds as they explore what is ahead of them. And I was very much inspired by their amazing imaginations as they now will work on completing their books over the next few weeks… which will likely inspire another younger generation. Cool stuff.
It is always a special moment to be recognized by distinguished judges who take the time to recognize authors and the work they put into writing and publishing their books.