The older I get, the more joy I find in writing. My words on paper validate me. Thank you for facilitating the writing experience for those who have so much to say.
I love this. I'm in my 50s and I'm in a novel and memoir workshop. I'm often the youngest person in the group, with several in their 80s. These are smart, sharp women!
I have to laugh at the title. For decades I have been saying, "Everyone needs a microphone." I used to work in event planning, so ensuring we had a/v was one of my jobs. A microphone makes it easier for everyone to be heard - especially those folks who think they talk loud enough, but don't. My own hearing is not as good as it once was, and I am usually the first one in a large hall or group to advocate for a microphone. It balances out the sound so no one is straining.
I love that you're doing this, and got a kick out of the title of the piece. Writing is one of the most healing activities I know. For several years, I held a writer's group for family caregivers, and it was life-changing for all of us.
These stories are fascinating. Imagine the untapped stories of those seniors NOT in your class - NYC and beyond! There is much to enjoy and learn from people that have experienced a time different than our present. It would be a neat collection of essays to publish on their behalf if they allowed.
Thanks for a glimpse into this union of teacher and student.
When this happens it’s such an electric phenomenon- from either end. When that ‘light goes on’, its just exhilarating!
Teachers were always my heroes. To do a bit myself was the greatest excuse evah to do excessive research and deep dive into my subject. Worked out to about $1/hr, but yes; totally fun.
I have six elderly relatives (aged 81-98) living in five different retirement communities -- each place offers a memoir writing class. Some of the written pieces have become treasured family heirlooms -- my stepfather, in particular, a classic nuclear engineer type, turns out have been a lyrical poet all along. Who knew?!
I clicked because of the title – funny and so true! Kate's essay brought a fresh wave of gratitude for my own memoir class experience.
Joining in my fifties, I was the only youngster – at a time when I felt old and irrelevant in other arenas. In the group, I got to know older women (and a couple of men) who became role models for aging. I learned about their complex, accomplished lives. I learned about their losses and suffering and joy and how they'd survived and grown. I became a writer in that group, but more importantly, a better version of myself.
Brava, Kate. I'm teaching, at 60, for the first time in a long time, and although my students are undergraduates and MFA candidates, so much of what you wrote applies to them, too.
Oh, you teach costume design for film? FUN! Did you happen to see the series "Mad Men"? Or "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"? I realize I am referencing tv shows, but I thought the wardrobe was so beautifully done in each of those. I always, always pay attention to wardrobe and sets on films. I worked for a few years as a wardrobe stylist in commercial photography. Dressing people is fun! It sounds like you teach both writing, as well as costume design. I would love to take a class from you. (I'd also learn from the 20 year olds, most likely, I am in my late '50s) : )
Thank you for sharing these experiences teaching in a new environment. I have been considering doing this down the road. Your experiences really help to motivate me. ❤️
I wish I could take this class!!!
My exact thought!
Same here! Sounds like a lovely creative learning space that you've set up for your students.
The older I get, the more joy I find in writing. My words on paper validate me. Thank you for facilitating the writing experience for those who have so much to say.
Could you please write LARGER!😐
😂 🥸
Great piece. The epitome of the senior citizen discount. Everyone wins!
Well said!
I love this. I'm in my 50s and I'm in a novel and memoir workshop. I'm often the youngest person in the group, with several in their 80s. These are smart, sharp women!
I have to laugh at the title. For decades I have been saying, "Everyone needs a microphone." I used to work in event planning, so ensuring we had a/v was one of my jobs. A microphone makes it easier for everyone to be heard - especially those folks who think they talk loud enough, but don't. My own hearing is not as good as it once was, and I am usually the first one in a large hall or group to advocate for a microphone. It balances out the sound so no one is straining.
It's a small room so I don't think we need a mike. but I will consider it.
I love that you're doing this, and got a kick out of the title of the piece. Writing is one of the most healing activities I know. For several years, I held a writer's group for family caregivers, and it was life-changing for all of us.
These stories are fascinating. Imagine the untapped stories of those seniors NOT in your class - NYC and beyond! There is much to enjoy and learn from people that have experienced a time different than our present. It would be a neat collection of essays to publish on their behalf if they allowed.
Thanks for a glimpse into this union of teacher and student.
“ this union of teacher and student”
Awesome observation!
When this happens it’s such an electric phenomenon- from either end. When that ‘light goes on’, its just exhilarating!
Teachers were always my heroes. To do a bit myself was the greatest excuse evah to do excessive research and deep dive into my subject. Worked out to about $1/hr, but yes; totally fun.
I have six elderly relatives (aged 81-98) living in five different retirement communities -- each place offers a memoir writing class. Some of the written pieces have become treasured family heirlooms -- my stepfather, in particular, a classic nuclear engineer type, turns out have been a lyrical poet all along. Who knew?!
I clicked because of the title – funny and so true! Kate's essay brought a fresh wave of gratitude for my own memoir class experience.
Joining in my fifties, I was the only youngster – at a time when I felt old and irrelevant in other arenas. In the group, I got to know older women (and a couple of men) who became role models for aging. I learned about their complex, accomplished lives. I learned about their losses and suffering and joy and how they'd survived and grown. I became a writer in that group, but more importantly, a better version of myself.
yes I like the age range in the class... it spans several decades of seniors.
Brava, Kate. I'm teaching, at 60, for the first time in a long time, and although my students are undergraduates and MFA candidates, so much of what you wrote applies to them, too.
I enjoyed reading your essay. Thank you for sharing your experience. I wish I could take your class.
What fun! I am 84 and also teach (costume design for film) and learn lots from my 20 year old students.
Oh, you teach costume design for film? FUN! Did you happen to see the series "Mad Men"? Or "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"? I realize I am referencing tv shows, but I thought the wardrobe was so beautifully done in each of those. I always, always pay attention to wardrobe and sets on films. I worked for a few years as a wardrobe stylist in commercial photography. Dressing people is fun! It sounds like you teach both writing, as well as costume design. I would love to take a class from you. (I'd also learn from the 20 year olds, most likely, I am in my late '50s) : )
Sounds like a perfect future anthology! I'll look forward to reading it.
Such a succinct, interesting, funny and poignant piece. Nice variety of verbs. I ,too, wish I could take this class.
Kate, thank you for sharing the memories of memoir!
Thank you for sharing these experiences teaching in a new environment. I have been considering doing this down the road. Your experiences really help to motivate me. ❤️
Go for it!