There are moments in life that reaffirm why we pursue our passions, and my visit to my daughter’s 5th-grade class last month was one of them. (Don’t worry, I only caused her mild embarrassment.) Since my books might be a bit young for these almost-middle-schoolers (Also, how is my baby already on the brink of middle school?!!) I chose to focus on sharing my journey to becoming an author instead of reading from my work. I talked about how my love for writing took root at a young age and grew stronger through journaling, storytelling, and eventually studying English in college.
The students were very engaged in the conversation and their questions were thoughtful and curious. We talked about goal setting—how recognizing our interests early can shape the skills we cultivate. Seeing their excitement reinforced the power of storytelling and the importance of pursuing what sparks joy.
After my visit, the students surprised me with a heartfelt thank-you card, signed by each of them. Their words and appreciation put the biggest smile on my face—a beautiful reminder of why I love sharing my passion for writing.
I left with a renewed sense of purpose, hoping that my visit inspired even one future writer in that room. Because every story begins with an idea, and sometimes, all it takes is encouragement to bring it to life.
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