A while back I made a commitment to quit griping about youth and literacy and do something about it. I formed a literacy challenge last year, traveled around the country doing free presentations in public high schools, gave away boom-boxes to high school students who met me in bookstores and showed me the books they’d purchased—and they didn’t even have to be my books. Throughout that year I felt like an ant pushing a boulder up a mountain. Books have too much competition today. Between television and video games, the pages of any book have about as much allure to teens as toilet paper—they’re only interested if it’s an absolute necessity.
Still, even in the face of this seemingly insurmountable mountain, I’m doing the same push for literacy this year. Some may call me a glutton for punishment, an obsessive compulsive on an impossible mission, but in truth, I’m doing it again because I’ve seen a glimmer of hope….
Not long ago a sixteen-year-old girl named Haley joined our local writers’ group. I thought it odd (and wonderful!) that someone that young would want to sit with a bunch of ‘old’ folks each month and talk about writing. (Before Haley arrived, the youngest in our group was thirty years old.) Fearing she might disappear after that first meeting, I made a point of sticking close to her, chatting about her interests, introducing her to others in the group. Haley was friendly but quiet, and when it came time for members to read excerpts from their work, she was the last person I expected to stand before the group and read. But she did—three pages from an historical fantasy novel she was working on. Not only was I impressed with her courage, I was floored by her work. So was everyone else. Her prose, her ‘voice’ sounded like it came from someone who’d actually lived in the 1800s. So natural, so fluid and poetic. The story engaged us immediately and left us wanting more. When she finished reading, the group was silent for a moment, everyone stunned by her extraordinary gift. Then the applause began. Not the polite clapping one often hears in writers’ group readings, but the real applause of appreciation. Haley blushed ten shades of red. Her smile was priceless.
I tucked Haley under my wing that evening and have kept her close ever since. I know if she sticks with writing she’ll be published and become a phenomenal success. Everyone told her that after her reading, and I remind her of it each time we meet, which is at least once a month now.
Since that first encounter, Haley continues to work on her novel. She also writes poetry and short stories, has become a regular columnist for two large, local newspapers, and has won numerous state writing contests. She’s no longer quiet, but aggressive, talkative, always seeking out opportunities that might move her closer to her goals. I’m extremely proud of Haley and all she’s accomplished. She gives me hope for literacy and our youth, and that hope moves me forward, gives me a little more energy to push that boulder up the mountain. Without even knowing it, that young girl makes a huge difference in this ‘old’ girl’s life.
10 Comments, Comment or Ping
John B. Rosenman
Deborah, you might want to put your name at the top of your essay.
That being said, I heartily commend you. I teach college, and I can tell you firsthand that the written word is not my students’ first priority. It competes first with electronic print online (where they want to do ALL their research), with movies and DVD’s and Playstation and . . . the list goes on. Thank you for fighting the good fight.
You mention giving away a boom-box or boom boxes — does that money come out of your pocket or is it part of a program?
Haley is an inspiration. Young ‘uns won’t be much impressed by what we do, but their peers are another matter. Thanks for doing all you can to encourage and nurture her talent.
Jul 18th, 2006
Deborah LeBlanc
John, thanks for your comments. The money for the boom boxes comes out of my own pocket, as does the money and computer for the grand prize and second place prize. And you’re right about putting my name at the beginning of the post…now if I could only figure out how to do that without screwing up the post! lol
Jul 18th, 2006
Sully
Bless you for taking on the good challenge, Deborah. Your description of Haley is packed with your own bright enthusiasm. Have had the same experience in diverse and sundry book forums. Always heartening to know that there is life outside the e-cocoon of teen years.
I’ve just written a simliar piece about a boy who was nearly illiterate back in my teaching days. Moving experience for me to see how hungry he was and quick to grab an opportunity when it came to him without stigma. Too long to repeat here, but it will be a guest column on Dearreader.com July 21st, this Friday.
Thanks for the rays of hope to start the day.
– Sully (Thomas Sullivan)
Jul 18th, 2006
John B. Rosenman
That’s all right, Deborah. First time around, I didn’t even put my title up there.
For paying for these things out of your own pocket, I hereby award you the Supporter of Future Writers award. You not only create, you give back, and you definitely make a difference.
Jul 18th, 2006
Mark Rainey
Fantastic essay — not to mention the work you’re doing, Deborah. Your example (Haley) is encouraging, even inspiring. I’ve always believed that the job of the writer goes beyond reflecting the world and influencing it. What a great way to go about it.
–M
Jul 18th, 2006
Janet Berliner
Great essay, Deb. A feel-good way to start the day.
One of my first essays dealt in general with levels of the same topic. You’re doing a terrific job out there.
Let me tell you folks, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Deb recently here in Vegas. She is a joy.
–Janet
Jul 18th, 2006
Deborah LeBlanc
I’ll look forward to reading your piece on the boy, Sully. Thanks for your kind words.
Aw shucks, John, now you’re making me blush!
Thanks, Mark. Haley is indeed an inspiration. Because of her, the Guild already has three more sixteen-year-old members.
Thanks so much, Janet. I was so honored to meet you in Vegas. You’re not only a hell of a woman, you’re a remarkable inspiration!
Jul 18th, 2006
Teresa
What an amazing undertaking you have begun. If positive mental energy will help you to kepp the boulder climbing up that hill you got all of mine coming at you!
Please keep us up to date on Haley’s work.
Sully, I’ve been a DearReader member for quite a while. It’s been so fun to read essays by Nate Kenyon & Doug Clegg. If you are on Friday, I can’t wait to see who we get on Wednesday and Thursday, too. It’s a great week to look forward to!
“Thanks for reading with me.”
Terry
Jul 18th, 2006
David Niall Wilson
I love it when those lights come on.
Here’s one for you - I grew up one of two brothers. My younger brother, Bill, hated school. He has a higher IQ than I do, but he never met the challenge of the potential, and his life has been — interesting (in the Chinese proverbial sense). At one point he managed to land his dumb ass in jail (long story) and they put him on a program where he had to spend a couple of months in a real prison (scare tactics). Anyway…
While he was in there, he finally discovered reading for pleasure. He read a John Grisham book — and then he got hold of my vampire trilogy “The Grails Covenant”. He read that first book and begged for more…and he loved the character I’d created … it was one of those moments for me, because the writing was something he and I had never been able to share on any real level…it’s very cool that he finally came around…
So your essay hit me sort of hard…and I commend you for the work you’re doing. Good luck with it, and may lights flash on like lightning bugs before a summer storm.
DNW
Jul 18th, 2006
Deborah LeBlanc
Thanks, Terry. The challenge to improve literacy in our country can use all the positive mental energy it can get!
What a great, heartwarming story, David! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Jul 19th, 2006
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