The lbpost.com has been in close contact with a group of English students at Wilson High School that call themselves the Long Beach Writers, who aim to promote tolerance and literacy through their writing (see more information in this story). For about a year, the students and their teacher, Devon Day, have been planning a ten-day trip to visit their pen pals in Inwood, West Virginia. In this piece from tenth-grader Janet Ramos, she explains the process and excitement of the idea becoming a reality.
Our amazing project began last year in my freshman year at Wilson High School. It all started with the idea of having pen pals in West Virginia, and writing to kids that have a different life than ours here in Long Beach. For me it was an awkward experience, not seeing the purpose of writing and knowing these kids. However, it did not take me long to discover that writing actually had a purpose. Soon we were learning from each other. As teenagers, we have similarities. I was so excited about the project along with my classmates, that one day we came up with the idea of visiting our pen pals, and to experience the life they had in a rural community.
Due to the brilliant idea of visiting our pen pals, we founded a club name the LBW (Long Beach Writers) with the intention of teaching tolerance, and fundraising money for our field trip to West Virginia. This dream has become a reality after much hard work from Ms. Day, Mr. Spencer, and the Long Beach Writers at Wilson High.
My experience in the club had been wonderful. I have the opportunity to experience leadership by being vice-president of the club, to lead and to motivate a group of students that started with a dream. Now, that dream is about to become true. As a member of the club, I have experienced with my other friends – not just “classmates” – arguments, tears, and laughter that have brought us together. We are still learning from each other. Through tolerance comes acceptance. Acceptance brings friendship that can last a lifetime.
– Janet Ramos