Two of my Writing 6 students gave me permission to share their creative writing from last week. We brainstormed simple pleasures, and then chose one and wrote about it. I have only included their lists, which elicited all sorts of happy exclamations from me.
The first contributor is a quiet and somewhat reserved (actually, very cool, in both the figurative and pop-cultural meaning of the word) young man from Saudi Arabia. His quick wit never ceases to make me mirror the grin he wears, even if I am upset with him for being tardy or handing in an assignment late. He is one of the few I love to verbally spar with, because at the end of our banter the truth is always told. And freely.
The second is a competent and dignified young lady from Turkey. She is always prepared and able to engage with friendly insights and personable advice. One of my favorite images of her is when I walk into the Reading Lab at 2:00 pm. There isn’t a class this hour, so various students come and use the space for study or other activities. I usually find her quietly laughing away, skyping with her young nephews and nieces overseas. My favorite times are when she leaves the headphones unplugged, and I can quietly listen in on the family chatter (which, of course, I don’t understand, except that they’re having a good time).
