Service Learning Student Challenges You to Take Over Creative Writing Workshop

Elizabeth Falconer-Salkeld

The Record
February, 1998

by Elizabeth Falconer-Salkeld

        Wanted! Aspiring student writers and teachers to continue a Creative Writing Workshop at the Somerville Public Library in January 1997. The young people in the workshop are between 12 and 16 years old, and have a keen interest in learning to improve their creative writing. If you enjoy writing and would like to find out if you're suited to a career in teaching. I encourage you to become the next leader of the enthusiastic group of young people. 

        This past semester, as part of Professor Anita Rosenblithe's Literary Autobiography course, I became involved in RVCC's Service Learning program and through Lori Moog, RVCC's Service Learning Coordinator, initiated a Creative Writing Workshop at the Somerville Library. It was an experience which really enhanced my education, and one I know other would benefit from too. And, while I would love to continue the workshop, in January I am transferring to The College of New Jersey.

         So what's involved in the workshops. They have a common theme of autobiographical writing, and provide students with a variety of activities including freewriting, discussion and the reading of the autobiographical poems and short stories that the young people write.

         Through the workshops I gained a clearer understanding of the essential interpersonal and teaching skills that are crucial in developing a supportive, lively classroom atmosphere so that students' writing can progress from strength to strength. 

        Always I left the workshops with the quite a "buzz" knowing that I had the opportunity to guide these young people on their way to becoming better writers.

         There were other benefits, too, apart from the personal rewards of becoming a Creative Writing Workshop leader, such as earning a Service Learning certificate that will impress future employers and enhance a transfer application for a four year college.

         Besides myself, there were other students who also have had a very positive experience leading a Creative Writing Workshop.

         "I'm really pleased that I've been able to transfer all the time I spent teaching at Kingwood Township Elementary School to the 120 hours of teaching experience that I'm required to complete when I begin studying for my teaching certificate," Tanya Schneider, an aspiring teacher in the Literary Autobiography class, said.

         Like me, however, Tanya will not be able to continue the workshop because in January she is transferring to York College in Pennsylvania.