Participant Reflections

"Thank you YWWF(a)C. I feel very complete being here. I enjoy being here."

"Gifts: Listening, caring, writing. Writing down words as I go. Being with friends."

"...I'm kind of a shy, perfectionist kind of kid, so I was nervous at the beginning. But when I sat on the comfy pillow and welcomed myself into the room, I was so happy I almost cried..."

"Challenges: to say goodbye. To read in front of those whom I do not know."

"As a circle member, I was nervous, but excited to share my words. I loved hearing the other girls’ best pieces."

"If listening were tangible, I would have felt it, like warm molasses."

"The gift was being able to share my writing with so many people and hearing all that great reading."

"Gifts: I am reminded that there are always people I can share my ideas with. These other women/girls share my ideas & thoughts and give me courage to share my own."

"Gifts: Bye. I (heart) these girls. I’ve had a big adventure."

"Gifts: Being able to trust these girls. I also enjoyed the crafts and time we spent together. It’s all gone by so fast that you could blink and miss it all! It’s been a pleasure."

"This is the best class I have ever taken (heart)."

"Gifts:
• Hearing my lines read back (and hearing all the other girls)
• Drumming all together
• Having fun!
THANK YOU!"

"It feels good to stare at my words and know that those were the words people chose as their readback line. It warms my heart."

"So many gifts! I can’t possibly write them all down. Here are a few: New friends, new people, dream notes, WRITING!, read-around. Thanks."

"Gift of feeling a familiarity to the feelings of those around me. Connected."

Reflections from Parents and Supportive Others

"The deep wisdom of these girls rings true in their words, their energy and their growing confidence. This circle of young women writers is such a gift."

"The freedom and openness provided by this class has been wonderful for my daughter to express herself. Thank you!"

"I am astounded by the higher-level thinking taking place in this room. What an amazing gift this program is."

"Wonderful outlet for creative energy. You are all such a blessing to these young women."

"Thanks for making such a wonderful place for our girls to write, speak and listen."

"The peace of mind and joy I have in my heart knowing that this camp experience for my daughter has been safe, enriching, soulful, fun, loving, and will stay with her as a flicker of light in her childhood. Thank you."

"Gift: I am amazed. The words shared here in full voice and being move me. My heart is full. I am so proud of each and every girl – the circle of joy and hope and possibility we have created together!"

"Seeing these daughters grow into confident writers is a real gift. Thank you."

"Hearing the writers be courageous in sharing their words was a treasure. The drums and music in the beginning brought joyful tears to my eyes. It inspires and motivates me to hear others share their written words."

"The gift of these young women together, learning, sharing, giving, growing – together. Amazing talents. The future."

"Gifts: Joy of hearing girls growing into young women by finding confidence through language, the stuff that makes us who we are."