we haven’t written
as much as we hoped for
but that’s okay.
what really matters
is the time we shared.
the laughter.
As this semester went on I realized that being present was more important than my knowledge about writing. Of course being competent is important, but what is more important is being able to be a body in a room, showing up and spending quality time with the kids.
the essays revised
& revised again
& eventually completed & ready
to submit to colleges & teachers
who just want to see
that their students are trying.
Another thing that I realized is that I really enjoy helping students with their academic work. I was not expecting this since I usually tend to be more creative than analytical.
felt impressed by all of the kids
really. their humor & imagination
the way that they keep trying
i hope to keep trying too.
My favorite part of this entire semester was the kids and how they kept inspiring me to be better, for their sake and for mine.
Audrey Bowers is a graduate student in the MFA Creative Writing program.