In Spite Of...

As a writer, there is nothing more distressing than hearing that a middle school doesn't have a library. I am a product of D.C. Public Schools, and I'm familiar with hearing how DCPS is one of the worst school systems, the students perform so badly, blahblahblah. Well, you know what? What do you expect when middle schools don't have books? Why don't people care more? Is it a "not my kid" thing? That's not right and as a kid, when you feel you've been written off, what kind of reaction do you think you'd have?

Well, let me tell you about something positive. In spite of their lack of a library, the students at Charles Hart Middle School in Southeast D.C. are participants in the D.C. Creative Writing Workshop. Along with Simon Elementary and Ballou Senior High, these kids and teens are creating some amazing work and are being recognized for it. These kids have dealt with some rough environments--even within their own schools--yet someone saw the potential that was there within them. All it takes is someone to believe in you to help you believe in yourself.

If you want to know more about them and this fantastic program, please click on this link. You'll be so glad you did.