When I graduated from the South Mountain Storytelling Institute last May, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I enjoyed telling stories from the stage, but had found deeper meaning in facilitating story circles, in which a group of strangers tell their story about a shared theme. It made me feel good to share with others the feelings that had been freed up in me through sharing my stories.
Then this August I got a whole new opportunity: to teach a storytelling class at a residence for those fifty-five and older. Like facilitating story circles, it allowed me to share the joy that telling and listening to stories gives. And what stories! These are people who remember the Great Depression and World War II, who grew up before television, who have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is a privilege to hear first-person stories about people, places and events that I had learned only as history, and to get to know people of such resilience. And they have told me how good it feels to be encouraged to remember their lives and share them.
Now, I enjoy telling stories, whether from the stage or in class. And I enjoy even more listening to others’ stories and getting to know others on a deeper level than the usual small talk. But I’m finding I enjoy most of all helping those who think they have no story to find their own deep well, and craft what they find. Listening to the stirring results, I feel like a person who has found a great new medicine. I want to give my students the same healing encouragement I received throughout my certificate program at SMCC.
So I think I’ve found one big thing I want to do with my storytelling certificate, and I think I’ve found a community I want to work with. The first residence has asked me to teach another class, and another residence has asked me to teach one. I think I’m finding my niche.
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