It all started in the spring semester of 2026. I was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the Community Storytelling Fellowship Program. This program is part of the Storytelling Institute at South Mountain Community College. Thanks to a generous donor, students were funded to take storytelling classes and bring storytelling to the community. I decided to bring storytelling to my community by facilitating a Story Circle.
The Story Circle was held at the Esther Angulo Senior Center in Tolleson, Arizona. I chose Tolleson because this city has been my home for as long as I can remember. It was a way of giving back to a community that I have always loved. Five women attended the session, ranging in age from 70 to 85 years old. The small group size created an intimate and supportive environment, allowing each participant the opportunity to meaningfully engage together. Everyone was excited to share a personal story. Stories included themes of resilience, love, adventure and strength.
When invited to describe their experience, participants shared words such as inspiring, connection, happy, joy and comfortable. Participants also shared meaningful reflections about their experience:
“I’m always afraid to speak English because I don’t speak it well, but I felt so comfortable speaking English with all of you.”
“I really enjoyed learning so much from my sisters.”
“I had a lot of fun, this was really nice, when are we going to do this again?”
These responses highlight the sense of safety, connection, and enjoyment that emerged during our time together.
The Story Circle created a welcoming space where participants felt comfortable expressing themselves, connecting with others, and reflecting on personal experiences. The circle supported both storytelling and active listening, reinforcing the value of shared narratives within a community setting.
Facilitating this Story Circle reinforced my awareness of the importance of creating a space where participants feel safe, supported, and free from pressure. One of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was witnessing how quickly participants moved from initial hesitation to active sharing and connection.
This experience strengthened my ability to adapt storytelling practices to meet participants where they are, particularly in a multilingual environment where confidence in language can impact participation. Hearing a participant express that she felt comfortable speaking English in the group was especially impactful and affirmed the importance of creating an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere.
Additionally, I learned the value of pacing and structure within a session. Balancing guidance with flexibility allowed participants to engage without feeling rushed, while still maintaining a clear flow.
Having that Story Circle that day really helped me see how valuable storytelling is. This class project was far better than any exam. It was a way to not only implement what I have learned in my storytelling classes but also learn how to serve my community in ways that I never expected.
When we come together to share a story, it brings connection to those present. I think we should all take a moment to share stories with each other. It could help us become more compassionate with each other when our world needs it the most.
Natalie R. Rivera is a native Arizonan. Her stories are strongly influenced by personal experiences. She enjoys sharing folktales, myths and fun adventures of her life with others. Her 26 years of teaching experience has allowed her to provide welcoming spaces for storytelling circles and workshops. You can find Natalie on Linked In (Natalie Rivera, Ed.D.)
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