“Writing is a joy, something that makes me feel free.”
– Inmate, State-Run Correctional Institution
Last week I wrote about how I didn’t know what to expect in my new role of teaching a journaling and memoir class at a state-run correctional institution. I expressed doubts about the students’ interest in my topic and wondered if I’d feel safe. What I didn’t share—what I’m now ashamed to admit—was that I expected them to be high school dropouts with low-level writing skills with minimal engagement.
I didn’t expect their writing to be so powerful and impressive, nor did I expect to hear many praise their childhood English classes. I didn’t expect that many had been to college. I didn’t expect them to be so articulate and quick-witted. I didn’t expect so many life-long voracious readers. I didn’t expect one to carry a dictionary in his pocket at all times, another to say he’s a “word nerd” who loves multisyllabic words. I didn’t expect one to say that writing gives him “a better thinking process” and another to share in a booming minister-like voice, “Writing is a joy, something that makes me feel free.”
When were your low expectations shattered for the better? What did it feel like?
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