My Visit to Calvin Coolidge Senior High School
Earlier last year my friend Lauren Mckenzie said she wanted to adapt my book "A Lesson Learned," into her class at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in Washington D.C. Not only was I honored, but shocked. When I wrote my book my main intention was to get it incorporated into as many colleges as I could, but now the trajectory has changed. Through the last two numerous parents and teachers told me that my book needed to be in high schools and middles schools and after my visit to Coolidge I was convinced. Lauren explained that the principal of Coolidge wasn't sure about using my book, but one day her daughter who attends Morgan State University came home ranting and raving about this book she had to read at school. Yup, you guessed it! It was my book she was talking about. That's when I knew God was all over this.
Usually when I speak at schools I talk for two or three hours, but this was different. Lauren and her students facilitated everything which ended up being an experience I will never forget. Their project was based on "A Lesson Learned." Each student was assigned to pick a story out of my book that inspired them and write their own personal story with the lesson they learned from it. Sitting in a literacy circle each student read their stories out loud to me and their classmates As they begin to tell their stories the mood of the class change and the emotions and tears were flowing.
I had no idea some of our youth were dealing with problems this heavy. Some of these students were only in the 9th and 10th grade. Topics ranged from attempted suicide, pregnancy, violence, child abuse, drugs, dealing with death, divorce and a lot more. But writing is therapy and from writing their stories and the lessons learned from them they explained that my book and their project helped them heal. What a blessing!
I also spoke with another class full of seniors who had also read my book and to my surprise they were full of questions. A lot of them are planning to attend college in the fall and some have even received scholarships already. After speaking with them I realized that there should be more information or classes about student loans because none of them really knew how the process worked. I explained the interest and principal, refund checks, garnishing of wages, and the numerous payment plan options they have once they graduate which lead to wide eyes and gasps. Especially when me and their teacher, Ms. McClure explained the principal and interest to them and that some people only pay on their interest.
On this path of authorship I sometimes doubt myself and question is this really what I'm supposed to be doing. Even with everything I've accomplished and this little bit of time. I know, I know but remember I'm human and I have my good days and bad days just like everybody else. Believe me behind the success is a lot of no's that sometimes can discourage you, but I've learn after every rejection is a blessing. After visiting Coolidge I was reassured that this without a doubt is the path I should be on. I was so humbled and inspired after leaving there I was ready to tackle my next project with ease.