Before I started this blog I thought it would be a good idea to look up the word “coach” and understand what exactly a coach is and is expected to do. When I first sit down with a student I usually spend a minute or two and find out about the person that I am about to work with and hopefully share their innermost thoughts with. Sometimes this works, sometimes not, but it is a good ice breaker and creates a comfort zone with the both of us.
This past week, I got to work with a woman from the Middle East. She and her family have been here in the states only seven months. Her assignment was to write an essay on anything that the student is interested in. I had heard talk that most of the students, who were ELL, wrote about soccer. I was looking forward to hearing about a sport that I know little about.
She pulled out her essay and began reading to me. Much to my surprise and glee, she wrote about reading. This young student shared in her paper her love for the printed word in all genres and her paper told me that any place was a good place to read. I could tell she was working on her English and understanding this confusing language and strange diction. She was also determined to read to me and asked for very little help from me. She was strong willed and independent and I admired her determination.
We talked about the paper and how we could make it flow. We discussed putting a little more of herself into the piece. I could tell she loved reading but she had a hard time putting that feeling in words. Our time was running short. I encouraged her to keep reading and to continue to write. The paper had a good feel to it.
She then asked me if I would read some of her other work she had. I agreed and she pulled up a few paragraphs. The words were deep and moving. They were to all of her friends so far away. She missed them dearly and the way she put her feeling on paper was like a poem of hope, despair, longing and love. I could feel her looking at me and when I was done I looked at her and saw tears in her eyes. I hoped she did not see mine.
Two days later, in another school and another assignment, I had the chance to hear essays on places the students loved and why. What great blank canvas from the teacher! My last student of the day had written about a house she had lived in. She wrote a lovely piece but it felt like something was missing from the paper. I asked her about the house and what she loved other than the field and garden she so missed. I looked up and could see tears in her eyes. I was correct.
I share these stories because this is what a writing coach is. We attempt to find the innermost piece of the human and ask them to put a piece of their soul on paper for all to read. That’s a big ask. Share with us what you think, what you feel, and understand that there is no right or wrong–just the words that tell a story, your story. It is a journey of caring and sharing. With the other coaches, the students, and the true hero–the teacher.
This experience had taught me to listen and learn. It has taught me that there is a great and promising future out there–a future I am proud to be just a little part of. A coach–“someone whose job is to teach people to improve at skill…”
–Bill Buseman
