Career Day Presentation

So a few weekends ago I spoke about Writing as a Career to K-12 kids.... and it was awesome!

The set-up was a profession per classroom (there were people there from the medical, law, education, business field). We did 20 minute presentations and then the kids rotated classrooms. One of the things the presenters emphasized was the importance of education – that each of the students have the ability and power to go to college. Many of these kids live in the inner city and are dealing with peer pressure, high drop out rates, lack of resources and many other things.

So when I was invited to share my story with these students and my schedule was open, I didn't even think twice. I'll do anything to help inspire kids to pursue their dreams! Sign me up.

My MFA graduation from the University of Arizona in 2005

My particular segment began with my own history. I always wanted to be a writer. There was never any doubt in my mind that God put me on this planet to weave words. Like many writers, my childhood was spent creating books, typing stories, drawing comic strips, and creating newsletters.

I brought in lots of props to show the kids – different things I've created at various stages in my life. They really got a kick out of seeing what I wrote about when I was their age! Here's an example. My sixth grade creation: a magazine called the Monkey Sensational. This is one of the hundreds of things I've held onto. And, surprise surprise, most of the stuff is about animals.

Back then I never thought I'd ACTUALLY go on an Orangutan Jungle Trek as a paid writer!

I talked about character traits that many writers share (like being curious and observant). They were really interested in the concept of deadlines... The younger kids wanted to know what happens if I "turn my homework in late." Ha!

We also brainstormed about writing subjects (like sports, animals, current events), tools & mediums (newspaper, magazines, and technology devices like tablets, computers, television). I shared with them some of my work that I've had published on health, wildlife, history, travel, fitness, and cultures...

At the end of the workshop we did a fun little exercise on experiential narratives. Before I played them several videos, I "set up" the scene. Want to play?

You are in a small boat traveling through the rainforest along the Kinabatangan River in Malaysia. You and your team are tracking a herd wild elephants. What sounds do you hear? What might be making those noises? How would you describe the way the elephants look and move? What might the grasses and leaves they're eating taste like? How does it feel to sit outside, moving along in the boat? What does the rainforest and river smell like?

We discussed the process of innovation to creation to publication....

So we did that a few times, and the kids really loved the videos. I was trying to show them that writers have the power to carry a reader on a journey. A reader needs to see, feel, taste, smell, hear what it was like. And I wanted the students to know that their unique experiences and perspectives are important. THEIR VOICES ARE IMPORTANT. And that they shouldn't be afraid to express themselves and their ideas in words.

I had a wonderful experience at Career Day, and these students continue to bless my life! I tutored again yesterday afternoon with Operation Exodus. Many of the kids now call me the Shark Lady because they heard my story about swimming with wild whale sharks in Mexico.

They love to ask questions. Do you dye your hair? (No. I haven't dyed my hair in two years). Are you positive? (Yes). Do you promise? (Yes I promise). How old are you? (31). I'm still getting to know them individually (there's like 100 kids!) but am really enjoying the process. We hang out and they eat snacks, play, read, do homework. Yesterday I helped the fourth graders with their reading. One story was about a dog that could read a boy's mind. Awesome.

Would you like me to teach a writing workshop (in person or via Skype) to your classroom? Just drop me a line!

Comments

[Meghan]

Fantastic, Jodi! I'm sure these kids are very impressed with all your adventures! What a great experience for them (and you)!

[jen]

That is so cool! I bet they thought you were super awesome with all your animal adventure stories. {I know I do!}
I LOVE that you made that magazine as a kid! It looks pretty awesome, and is such a sign that you are doing exactly what you were meant to do. Fabulous!

p.s. Completed day 9 of my 31 day challenge this morning! I have to admit, I'm getting a little tired, but I'm gonna press on! ;)

[Holly]

I love the fact that you did this and are inspiring young kids to follow their dreams. I'm sure they loved the fact that you had this dream as a child and have worked so hard to achieve it. Way to go!!!

[Ghenet]

Your presentation sounded great! I love your book from childhood. I saved stories I wrote and illustrated as a kid too. :) The questions the kids asked are too funny!