Honoring a connection from college

I’ve been a writer and a teacher for years. I love storytelling. I’ve also been mentored as a writer through the Loft Mentorship program, so I understand how powerful mentorship can be.

I was thrilled when Maya [mentee] — whose parents I know from college — reached out. I worked with Maya from the start of her project. I went with her to buy her camera for videotaping oral histories, was with her as she collected family stories, spent lots of time on my porch with our dogs talking through how the project was going, and even helped her shape the experience into part of her college entrance essay. 

I'm excited to see how this continues to influence her life. To be able to mentor a young woman while this whole window is opening up for her around family and identity was an honor. 

I was able to witness Maya blossom — despite frustrations and complexities within the project — and grow in understanding. Family stories are messy and layered, but Maya came through the documentation process with such huge admiration for her father, grandpa and uncles. I could see her curiosity growing. I know the story will continue and will be a driving force for her throughout her life.