I can’t get the conversation out of my mind.
Owen was one of the high school students who interviewed our kindergarteners and wrote their stories, turning them into a book.
Today I got a lovely card signed by the students.
Owen’s comment was strong, in a good way. “Thank you for helping us and bringing passion to our Winterim.”
That’s Owen. There’s more.
This isn’t about that time I spent with the students at all. I had a conversation with Owen; this conversation is one I just can’t let go.
It happened like this…
Owen: “You have an accent. Not a big one, but I hear one. Where are you from?
Jennie: “I’m from West Virginia, the south.”
Owen: “I’m from Alabama.”
As we talked about the south, we both agreed it is very different. We talked about accents, family, the heat… and then the conversation became deeper – about people.
Owen: “People don’t mix. They stay with their own group. Everybody mixes up here, but not back home.”
Jennie: “That’s true!”
WOW! I’m talking to a 17-year-old who sees the difference. Nobody else in his world ‘up here’, outside of Alabama, sees or understands. Clearly he wanted to connect with someone else who sees it, too. Me! It bothers him, and it bothers me, too.
I talked with his advisor, telling her of this conversation, but that was a grain of sand on the beach. I knew I had to reach out and do more, so I wrote a letter to Owen.
I hope it helps. I hope Owen sees I was in the same situation. I hope Owen feels like he can do something.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
what a wonderful lesson, gesture and extension. an unexpected connection made, and teaching my modeling, not only in literacy, but in humanity, and belonging -<3
Spot on, Beth. Beautifully said. Thank you!
I definitely believe you will have inspired Owen… To reach out to move beyond boundaries to mix and be inclusive. … You listen to Owen, you spoke to Owen ….that’s why you are a real teacher Jennie.
💜💜💜
That’s beautifully said, Willow. Owen wants to reach out and mix, but he sees no one wants to back home in Alabama. At least this is a start to get him thinking. Hopefully.
from small seeds….
You are right! 💕
What a great lesson for the young man. A great example of “going beyond” too Jennie. I have a feeling you’ll be hearing from him again. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Brian. I just couldn’t let this go. I do hope I hear from him again. I mailed the letter to his teacher at school today.
I hope he is inspired Jennie, and he keeps in touch, he sounds like lovely young man.
I hope so, too, FR. Yes, he is a lovely young man.
You are courageous, strong in your beliefs, a model for all of us.
Jacqui, I am humbled. That is so nice of you to say. Thank you!
Thank you for this thought-provoking story. I’m sure Owen will take the advice in your letter to heart.
This story has been on my mind for a long time. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Liz. I hope Owen takes the story and advice to heart.
In this day and age, just receiving a thoughtful and inspiring hand-written letter is a rare thing indeed. Of course you will have inspired him, and he already shows great understanding of the need for social inclusion.
Best wishes, Pete.
It is rare in this day and age, which is sad, and exactly why I go out of my way to send hand written letters. I hope Owen will feel inspired. Yes, he already shows a great understanding. He initiated our conversation. Best to you, Pete.
I’m sure Owen appreciated your note. Thanks for sharing Jennie.
I hope so, John. I mailed the letter to his school today.
I am so impressed, Jennie. You never give up on a student. I’m sure Owen will appreciate this.
Thanks, Dan. You’re right, I don’t give up on a student. It doesn’t matter it they’re in preschool or high school. I hope he appreciates it.
I’m sure he does.
🙂
Very mature thinking for a high schooler. Acceptance of others. despite their differences, is the bedrock of any compassionate society.
Yes, very mature thinking. Owen opened up the conversation with me, which speaks volumes. I don’t think I helped, but I hope I opened the door for him. Acceptance of others does not happen everywhere. Owen and I have lived that.
Owen sounds like a very wise and caring young person. And you, Jenny … you are the teacher I wish I had way back when … you are an inspiration to all!!!
That’s so nice of you to say, Jill. Thank you.
You and Owen are inspirational!
Thank you, CIndy! 🥰
Oh my goodness….I love all that you’ve shared about your interaction with Owen! Life affirming! A bright spot in my day, for sure. xoxoxo! 💝
I do hope I’ve shared something or helped Owen in some way. I’m so glad you liked this, Vicki.
I know you did…impact! You do that so well, Jennie. You’re magic! ❤️❤️❤️
Aww… 🥰
great story, love how you kept your connection with Owen. making new connections is hard work, but usually worth it in the long run…
Thanks, Jim. I hope he finds my letter helpful or inspiring. I have to remember that he reached out to me first. Yes, you know with older children, making connections is hard work, but worth it.
I am sure he will!
Jennie you are so inspiring. You give hope.
🥰
People of different ethnic groups don’t tend to mix here in the UK either. It’s just the way it is. I guess there’s safety in numbers.
That’s something I didn’t know, Stevie. Kind of sad. I totally get ‘safety in numbers’.
I can well imagine that you are the first person Owen ever dared to ask that question. He felt he could trust you enough to do that. You are correct that it’s unusual for a young man that age to be mindful enough to notice those things. You did a wonderful thing to bring the subject more to the forefront. I run into people all the time who say they have lived somewhere their whole life and never gone anywhere like it’s a good thing. My mind wants to respond “I’m so sorry” immediately but I manage to hold my tongue. I’ve left behind family and friends all over the country and the world. It hurts my heart but I am so grateful to have met so many unlike me that have taught me so much. You have given your Aqua Roomers so many experiences that they never get anywhere else to expand their horizons. Obviously, I can’t say enough about how appreciative we all should be for the future citizens of the world you are creating at the most formative age. Travel changes people. Thank you, dear heart.
Marlene, you are brilliant and so intuitive. I think you’re right that Owen never dared ask anyone that question before. Trust is a big deal, especially because I’m old enough to be his grandmother, far from a peer. I hope bringing the whole thing to the forefront is inspiring for him and not a turn-off. I wonder if he’ll write back. Hmm… I know what you mean when people are so happy to have been in one place their entire life. Yikes! I do hope I’ve given children experiences that open their minds and change their horizons. Thank you for your very kind words!! 🥰
I hope your letter helps, Owen. You have a big heart ❤️
I enjoyed this post and I have recently learned more about the very diverse south and actually diversity across states overall.
And Jennie – your letter to Owen was wonderful and something he can keep in his files for a long time. I have letters from decades ago and while they never make it to my resume or CV – they are dear to my heart items part of the fabric of my connection with others over the years and mean a lot. I am sure Owen will cherish the book he created as well as the wonderful letter you sent.
xxxx
It’s something I find troubling, but didn’t ‘see’ it growing up. It wasn’t until I went to college in DC, then moved to Massachusetts with hubby and our two young children that I saw people who mix (as Owen says.) I think how lucky he is that he sees it now as a teenager.
I do hope Owen finds my letter hopeful and inspiring. I purposely wrote it by hand instead of typing it. Like you, I have some of those letters, too. They are treasures!
Thank you for your wonderful comment and kind words, Yvette!
wow, Jennie, you are have had a chance to go to school and libe in some diverse places – how very cool.
I think that’s a good thing, too!
;0)
Hi Jennie, thank you. This post is beautiful!
Thank you, Charles!
Jennie all thanks to you for inspiring Owen. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post.
What an insightful and inspiring letter. I hope Owen finds it a comfort – as the lack of friendliness outside neighbourhoods and kinship groups is causing him concern.
I hope so, too. I wish I’d seen the world the way he does when I was a teenager. Best to you, Sarah.
The always wise Jennie. I loved both love letters. 🧡
Thanks so much, Debby. His advisor met with him today, so I hope to hear if he got the letter, and how he felt.
That will be amazing! 🥰
Apparently he was very happy and plans to write back to me. His advisor is having the letter laminated for him. Nice!
Beautiful! 😋
😍
Observing others and really listening to what they are saying doesn’t always happen when people interact. You do those things Jennie and never miss the opportunity to do what you think might help others. You are a doer, and that is wonderful.
What a nice, insightful thing to say, Carla. Thank you!