Beginnings 15 A PUBLICATION OF ADULT STUDENT WRITING OF THE Ohio Writers’ Conference OHIO LITERACY RESOURCE CENTER ii iii Foreword I was introduced to the work of the Ohio Literacy Resource Center at Kent State University and the annual Ohio Writers’ Conference by Lyn Ford. In the fall of 2010 Lyn invited me to join her in telling stories at the 2011 conference. I was de- lighted and honored to share the stage with such an accomplished storyteller and advocate for literacy. Lyn described the conference as a celebration, and she lent me several copies of a book titled Beginnings. Lyn explained that each year students enrolled in adult and family literacy programs throughout the state submitted writings to the annual journal for publication. I read the books and I was amazed by the stories and poems that spanned an incredible variety of human experiences. Some of these writers had immigrated to Ohio from countries across the globe. Others were survivors of personal hardships, illnesses and addictions. The individual passions, hopes and ambitions that I discovered in the pages of Beginnings touched me and humbled me with respect for each writer’s courage. I was now honored to be a part of a conference that celebrated the accomplishments of men and woman who seek to develop themselves and improve their lives. Lyn also told me that the writers attending the confer- ence were encouraged to share their published poems or stories in an oral presentation that culminates the day’s events. There was no way to anticipate the impact of these live readings. At the end of our day of sharing stories, refl ective writing and congregations, the audience of family, friends and teachers listened as these adult students fi lled the air with their words. Poems of longing, tales of frustration, stories of grief and triumph captured our hearts. I remember a man from Africa who described a car ac- cident he experienced during a blizzard. When he tried to fi ll out iv v the accident report, he realized that he couldn’t write enough Beginnings require thought, choices, and action. Begin- English to fi le an insurance claim. In that moment he decided nings constitute change, a progression from one way of thinking to become a writer of his new language. A middle-aged woman, and doing and being to a new process, and a new persona. Age, raised in Kentucky, shared a life story that began with a child’s culture, beliefs, familial background, experience, all may map out heart-breaking separation from her beloved mother. A young some of the walk through life, but, at some point, we take our lady, about to enter college, described her painful struggles with a own steps on a path we create, or discover. All personal growth serious childhood illness that prevented her from attending school and development is a willingness to begin something new, to take with her peers. The audience and I shed their tears, shared their a chance, to grow from who and where we are to the place and laughter and watched as each writer grew more confi dent and ani- person of our spirit and heart. mated. I have never witnessed an oral presentation so honest and personally moving. It was a true celebration of the human spirit. Those who contribute to the pages of each edition of this appropriately-titled book walk a path of their own choosing. My hat is off to the staff, teachers and supporters of Each step, small or gigantic, encourages them to take more steps Ohio’s statewide literacy programs that make this learning pos- toward their own goals and wellbeing. As they move forward, sible for adults and their families. These students are transformed their publication in Beginnings acts as a mile-marker on the journey by the knowledge that they gain in these programs and I felt their called “life”, reminding them, and those who read their words, of hopes for success in the future. Beginnings is a wondrous book; it the lessons from their past, the efforts in their present moment, tells the story of everyday people whose lives really matter. I am and the promises of their future. grateful to Lyn for the opportunity to be involved and I’ll always cherish my memories of the writers’ powerful presentations. In 2011, fellow storyteller and friend Michelle Cornell and I were honored to share from the oral tradition as a part of the Michelle Cornell recognition of authorship and achievement that is the annual Ohio Storyteller and Teaching Artist Writers’ Conference. Over the years, these conferences, and the annual publication of effectively written works, have touched my heart. It is a mile-marker for me to simply be with the authors, editors, mentors, and supporters of Beginnings and its celebratory event. May all those who are the substance of Beginnings continue to walk their path, and enjoy and share their adventures. Lyn Ford Storyteller and Teaching Artist vi vii Acknowledgements This book marks fi fteen years of celebrating ABLE student authors and honoring their accomplishments. The fi rst Beginnings book was published in 1998, and the world has changed in so many ways since then. Leaders have been elected; technology has changed the way we interact with others; wars have been fought; and na- ture has reshaped landscapes. In Memory When the fi rst Writers’ Conference was held, some of this year’s authors were just toddlers learning about their world and others were holding their children or grandchildren for the fi rst time. Still others were starting careers, moving to a new country, and Jean Stephens making decisions that would affect the course of their lives. Former Director, Ohio Literacy Resource Center 1994 - 1999 While the world has changed in so many ways since 1998, the spirit and determination of ABLE students have remained constant. They continue to take on the challenge of continuing their educa- tion; to learn and grow; and to become role models to those who will come into ABLE programs in the future. Starting with the fi rst Beginnings book and persisting through to this year’s Beginnings 15, ABLE authors continue to write and share what they’ve written with others. We celebrate each ABLE student who submitted writing for con- sideration for Beginnings 15. More than 400 writers are acknowl- edged within this book, and we pay tribute to their courage to share their words with others and urge each of them to continue writing. We honor and thank ABLE teachers and tutors who work with students every day and provide not only instruction, but also guidance and support as students continue on their unique life journeys. It is with gratitude that we acknowledge the Ohio Board of Re- gents’ Adult Basic and Literacy Education Program. Their fi fteen viii ix years of support of Beginnings and the Writers’ Conference have allowed many ABLE students to become published authors and Table of Contents public speakers. We welcome our 2012 keynote speaker, author Katie Daley, to this year’s Writers’ Conference, and we’re pleased to have Lyn Foreword iii Ford and David Hassler participating again. Acknowledgements vii Table of Contents ix Can (poem by Heidi Bauer) xi Amiable 1 Memorable 9 Respectable 23 Knowledgeable 33 Breakable 51 Unstoppable 61 Attainable 75 Comparable 89 Vulnerable 101 Lovable 117 Commendable 127 Unshakeable 133 Transportable 141 Unbelievable 153 Author Biographies 169 Honorable Mention 187 Research 1 - 1100 Summit St., P.O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001 Phone: (330) 672-2007 or (800) 765-2897 Fax: (330) 672-4841 http://literacy.kent.edu x xi Can 1. to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill 2. to know how to 3. to have the power or means to 4. to have the right or qualifi cations to You can’t do that, you just ain’t that smart And I took it to heart You can’t think that way, you’re just a girl And it tore a hole in my world You can’t go there, because your skin is too dark And that sure hit its mark You can’t do that kind of job, because they don’t hire your kind And I pretended that I didn’t mind But inside I couldn’t get rid of all of that shame And I kept trying to fi nd someone or something to blame Inside I kept feeling this blazing fi re burn And it kept telling me to go out and learn Inside I kept hearing this voice And it kept saying you do have a choice So I went out into the world to make a new start But those fears and doubts kept cropping up I was the boy who wasn’t smart I was the girl who couldn’t think I was the boy with skin too dark I was the girl who was the wrong kind And you know what? I found that I did mind. So I got out my chisel, my hammer, my bare hands And I began to chip away at those walls Some built by others, and some I made on my own And I swear I had never felt so alone xii But then something happened I found others just like me Adrift on that wide open sea Working toward a common goal I felt a power deep within my soul And we all said, “I can” And we could And we did And we stood And we stand Amiable And I am. And I can.