The last slide in my PowerPoint presentation is often this.
I always tell the kids (or grownups) that I had the craziest idea of all: Someday, I would write a book!
Then you have an experience like I did this summer, and you know it was worth every single minute of the long (long!) years trying to write and sell your book.
First of all, when you get an invitation that takes you back to a place you love, give it serious consideration. When it comes with a heartfelt description of a summer mentoring program, from a guy who clearly loves his kids and loves what he does, say Yes!
Here's how the invitation came to me:
My name is Marlow Artis and I'm the Academic Support Specialist for Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate. BRMA is the flagship mentoring program for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools in North Carolina, serving students of color. July 31st through August 4th, we will have our Week of Wonder. WOW is an intermediate camp for rising 5th and 6th Graders.
Marlow went on to say the kids would read GLORY BE and he'd love to have me come talk to them and sign their books.
What an honor!
I was very excited and couldn't wait to meet these kids.
This sign greeted me as I turned down the road to the school where the camp was taking place (though they spent a lot of time doing fun and inspirational things "on the road").
After a lunch that put most cafeteria meals to shame (provided by various Chapel Hill eateries, and the kids LOVED it), we met for an afternoon of PowerPoints, Junk Poker boxes, and Q&As with the kids, their mentors, and even a parent or two.
The Community Pool crafted from supplies gathered on a previous field trip.
New Glory Be cover designs.
Such smart kids. Such dedicated adults and young adults who work with them.
Thank you, Blue Ribbon Mentors and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for an afternoon I'll always remember!
