Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella

Feedback is hard for me.  I am very sensitive about my writing.  I’ve always been told I’m a good writer, but I’ve never believed it, and I’ve always hated sharing my writing with others.

So today when my writing group sat down with our mentor, Deb Van Tassel, I braced myself for her reaction to my story. 

As many of you have done, I put so much into this story.  I interviewed many sources, approached total strangers, and asked way too personal questions.    

I stayed up late at night, working hard, trying to bang out the most perfect, lyrical, well-crafted sentences that would tickle the most hardened imagination. 

So it was with guarded heart and trepidation that I entered the café today to hear my mentor critique my paper.

But something strange happened.  As she gave me feedback, she smiled, and disarmed me.

As she explained to me the areas in which I can improve, I sat quietly, respectfully, and humbly trying to take in everything she said, glowing in the comfort a simple smile could produce. 

I no longer felt afraid.  I understood she was trying to help me better a better journalist, a better writer, and a better teacher.

And it worked. 

Being at the Reynolds Institute has awakened in me what it is like to be a student again and has made me question my teaching practices.  I thought back to when I gave my students feedback in class.   Do I say it with a smile?  Am I friendly when I critique my students’ work?

If I wasn’t before, I will be now.

Becca Hargis

Campbell High School

Smyrna, Georgia