Slice of Life Day 24: Young Authors Conference

I remember being a middle school.
Such an awkward time of life
Middle schoolers are striving for independence,
funny and sarcastic,
strong-willed,
kind and awkward.
But man, can middle schoolers write.

Yesterday I got to facilitate a small group of middle schoolers 
participating in our district's Young Authors Conference.
Over 300 in attendence,
Working closely with a group of eleven.

The individual processes
Were fascinating to observe.
Some went right to their iPads,
Typing up a storm,
Others got a slower start,
Scrolling first through their playlist
Looking for a song
To inspire them
Many pulled out their
Writing notebook
As a starting place.

A variety of starts
All led to a writing zone.
A hush coming over our space
Nestled among the tree tops
In our third floor room
Sunshine streaming through the windows.

When they came out of the writing zone,
They were middle schoolers again
An obsession with taking the elevator
Instead of the stairs,
The excitement over lunch
On a real college campus

Beneath the giggles and chatter,
Around the awkwardness,
Deep emotions, struggle,
Joy and passion exist.
Their writing is a window
Into their experiences,
Thoughts and feelings.
Wow, can middle schoolers write!


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