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I think most of us are teachers or have been involved in education in some way. Remember when a new student would arrive in your classroom? More than likely you paired them up with a "buddy student" who would "show them the ropes" and try to make them feel welcomed.
When I first started slicing last summer, I felt like that new kid in school. I was going someplace new. I was nervous and I knew no one. Katherine at Read, Write, Reflect inspired me to start blogging. But is was Elsie and Linda who were my "buddy students." They were regular commenters and welcomed me with open arms...even if they were virtual arms.
After a few months went by, I began building friendships and connections through weekly slices. Those new friends were Jaana, Julie, Michelle H., Michelle N. Amy, Julieanne and Terje and so many others. Who would have thought that something as simple as sharing a story could lead to this?
During Christmas I was nominated for a sunshine award. Most of the bloggers who inspired me were already chosen, so I decided to reach out to new bloggers or new-to-me bloggers. Making those connections to new slicers was important to me because of the way I felt when I was new.
This March Challenge has been incredible. The one disappointment I have (which is actually a good thing!) is that there are so many new slicers, and I have not had the time to regularly read and comment on their slices. I have not had the time to really get to know them. That is the part of me that wishes it wasn't the end - still so much more to read.
To those of you who started slicing during the March Challenge for the first time, I hope you continue to slice on Tuesdays when the pace is much slower. I hope you received the encouragement you need to continue writing. I hope you continue to share your stories and build relationships within this community. Starting my blog and finding TWT is simply the best.
Thank you Stacey, Tara, Dana, Betsy, Beth and Anna for all you do to make Two Writing Teachers possible. Thank you to the support team who has helped make the March Challenge possible.
It has been a wonderful journey!
A lovely reflection on our blogging fun! I share your disappointment about not being able to comment on all the new slicers. I am certain I have missed out on reading many beautiful, thoughtful pieces. It's been a fun month! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a wonderful journey indeed. I am glad we were on this journey together. Looking forward to your reflection part 2.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a welcoming forum to push me as a writer. I actually find that my energy builds as my intentions to complete the challenge--and beyond--cause me to plan my writing, jot ideas, and think about them (even subconsciously) across the days. This seems like a very healthy way to live--and thrive.
ReplyDeleteAs a first time participant in the March Challenge I strongly echo your remarks. When this started I wasn't sure that I would see it through to the end. But with the encouragement and positive comments here it is, March 30th with just one more post to go to finish the challenge. I know I can do it.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, I echo Terje's words: I am glad we are on this journey together! Summer is coming. Who knows, maybe there could few road trips in the plan.....
ReplyDeleteIt's been a great journey this month and I too regret that I haven't been able to read and comment more. The encouragement and dedication of this group is tremendous, but none of us would be able to do if we didn't have Stacey, Tara, Dana, Betsy, Beth and Anna.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful community. There is a lesson in diligence here too. Sometimes I feel so isolated, but I have to reach out.
ReplyDeleteDitto to all of your thoughts. I love how you compared yourself to the new student. A perfect analogy. Linda and Elsie are those students who are the welcoming ones who support and show you the ropes. So glad to have found you as a writing and teaching partner. These relationships are golden.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a pleasure writing with you all these months, yes, months, Leigh Anne. What fun it always is to get to know new slicers, those with varying lives but always interesting. I have learned much from all of you, like your latest "book club" venture. Congratulations on finishing the month & thank you for your kind words!
ReplyDeleteAwww, shucks Leigh Anne, thanks. It is my privilege to be able to read and comment. I know how comments helped me when I started, so I try to pay it forward. I wish I'd been able to keep up with more. Look forward to more writing from you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support and friendship over the last month. It has been an honor to blog with you. I agree...my commenting failed miserably this month. I felt so overwhelmed. There's my goal for next year. Thanks for making this month so enjoyable! Thank you for reading and supporting and BE-ing there! You are such an important part in my writing life now! :)
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