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