In Ruby’s Humble Beginnings – Part 1 I told how, while I was riding my bike around NYC in the late 90′s, Ruby story ideas would come to me… and how I had a vision of myself working with kids to develop these story ideas.
Sometimes visions become real.
Mine did and I found myself working with some truly outstanding 11-14 year-olds. Thank goodness they were outstanding because I was completely winging it.
This is how it went…
I was trying soooo hard and I was doing pretty well… most of the time, but I didn’t have a formal background in education and I was running out of ways to fill up our time together.
TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOURS four days a week! What was I thinking?? I was exhausting myself trying to appear like an adult with her act more together than it actually was.
A couple of months into it I bowed my head in what felt like defeat and said to this really loyal group of 11-14 year-olds waiting for me to tell them what we were going to do next,
Ok, listen: You know how I need help exploring these story ideas because I’ve never written something like this before? …Well, it turns out… what I really, REALLY need your help with is creating an after school program… because I’ve never done this before either.
Who knew striking gold could be as easy as admitting to needing help? Because boy, did I! Strike gold, that is. These kids loved the responsibility, the authority, the creative control I was giving them and they ran with it.
The after school program they wanted to create was for kids slightly younger than them because… they wanted to teach what they were learning (!!). We spent the rest of the school year coming up with and trying out activities based on Joseph Campbell’s “Hero With A Thousand Faces”.
And the end of this story goes that the next year I was able to take their “Hero’s Journey” after school program into elementary schools — assisted by some of them who wanted to come with me — and… yeah, who would have known this is where my Ruby story ideas would lead me?
Life is a ride.
Realize What Matters
Asking for what you need matters.
Realize it!
Jeanne
I love your story!!! Great post!!! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you, Jess! Makes me feel so good to be getting such positive feedback
!
Jeanne, You are amazing. Your work is amazing. No one else can do this work. I am sitting here smiling from ear to ear, picturing these beautiful children excited to create something that would serve others, serve younger children. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Using our talents to serve others. Blessings. Many, many blessings to you, your work, and all those whose lives you enrich.
One day when Jeanne and Ruby are famous I’ll be able to say I knew them way back when.
Keep moving forward Jeanne and thank you for putting your heart and dreams out there and having the courage to make a difference.
And, thank you for sharing your wonderful story.
Big hugs,
Sandy
Thank you, Sandy and Julie! Your support goes straight into my heart and does so much to keep me in action.
Hi Jeanne,
I just read Parts 1 and 2 of your humble beginnings, and I think you were very brave to take your ideas into the school setting. I say brave, because kids can either love or hate what
adults think are fantastic ideas and activities! I’m so glad they
responded so positively, and helped you get on the rewarding
path you are currently taking.
Also, thanks for posting If You Really Knew Me…..so appropriate for this time in our society.
Carole
Thanks, Carole!
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Yes, it was a good thing I had such a great group of kids to work with. The ones who weren’t interested fell away pretty quickly, but those who remained were a real gift to me at that time. Thanks for being able to appreciate that
Hi Jeanne,
You’ve got it right… when you have a challenge that is, well, too challenging for you at the moment… share it with someone else. gotta love those kids for recognizing the way they could serve you in that moment. Can’t wait to hear/read more!
In friendship,
Annie