July 14, 2011
Dear Janet, Renee and Mitch,
As you have learned over the past few weeks, I think the world of my father. For many years he was my whole world and he taught me life lessons to make my own world a better place. One of the important things he taught me was if someone gives you something…especially something you really treasure…you should send a thank you letter. The past four weeks have been such a gift to me as a writer, a teacher and a leader. It’s a gift I will treasure forever, so I just want to say thanks.
It probably wouldn’t be appropriate to start out with the proverbial “there are no words…” since this is writing class so I will resist that temptation and cliché. Actually there are words. It’s just that four weeks ago I had no idea what the magnitude of those words would be. I knew the class was an honor…I just didn’t realize what an honor. I watched the RCWP video and heard the word “intense” so many times, that I knew the work would be intense. I just had no way of knowing how much writing I would be able to create each day. I knew I would be a better teacher leaving these doors than I was coming through them. I just couldn’t conjure the immense information I would take back to the Care Corner Kids and my colleagues at St. Gerard School. The part that caught me off guard was the leadership part. I am now aware that, not only can I be a leader, but it is my professional obligation on some level.
In these four short (long?) weeks, I have produced about 30 pieces of writing, including Sacred Writing and Lesson Demo pieces. I have written 3 poems, a children’s book, a cartoon, 3 digital stories, 6 reflective essays and this cover letter. These writings, the 4 texts and the rich discussions have truly helped me grow as a writer, as a teacher of writing and as a teacher leader. I have grown in these areas because Red Cedar Writing Project has nurtured my passion for writing. When I sat here that wintry March night interviewing for a coveted spot in this project, I could only hope that you would see my great desire to be here and find that worthy. Now my hope is that you realize my sincere gratitude for this amazing professional, creative opportunity.
With much appreciation,
Sheila Sims Iding ~ Writer, teacher, leader