How a Classroom Moment Highlighted My Life's Purpose
Small interactions can have a profound impact on our lives, shaping our perspectives, values, and even our life's purpose. As an artist and educator, I experienced a seemingly insignificant moment in a Brooklyn classroom over 25 years ago that has since become a driving force behind my passion for empowering others to express themselves.
I was a resident artist in New York City, teaching in various settings, from classrooms to homeless shelters. One particular day, I was working with a kindergarten inclusion class, engaging students in a collage-making activity. The energy in the room was electric as the children explored colors, shapes, and textures, bringing their unique creations to life.
As the activity came to a close, it was time for sharing. I asked for volunteers to share their work, and to my surprise, a hand shot up in the corner of the room. It belonged to a boy who was a selective mute, known for never speaking in class. Just as I was about to call on him, one of the teachers, known for his harsh demeanor, yelled at the boy, mocking his sudden desire to speak. The boy's body withered, and the moment was shattered.
I was shocked and heartbroken and angry! How could I advocate for this child in a classroom that wasn't my own? I approached the boy, held up his artwork, and asked his classmates to share what they liked about it. Despite the lack of words, the boy listened intently as his peers noticed and appreciated his creation.
Before leaving the classroom, I bent down to the boy and asked what he had wanted to say. He whispered in my ear, "I like the color blue." Tears welled up in my eyes, and to this day, the memory still evokes a strong emotional response.
This singular interaction had a profound impact on my life's purpose. As a quiet and small child myself, I had always used my voice to stand up for others who were being bullied or picked on. This experience reinforced my passion and mission to empower people to feel worthy and heard, to believe in themselves, and to explore life while embracing mistakes along the way.
Creativity, I believe, is a person's voice—their expression. Everyone possesses this gift, but it is up to us to decide whether we express or repress it. By fostering an environment that encourages self-expression, we can help individuals feel free to be part of the conversation and open to the possibilities that life has to offer.
Many of us have witnessed or experienced situations where someone has been embarrassed into silence or inaction. It is a feeling that resonates deeply within us, and it is our responsibility to break this cycle. By empowering others to express themselves, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, heard, and able to contribute their unique perspectives.
As I reflect on my journey as an artist, art teacher, storyteller, leader, business owner, publisher, mom, and wife, I realize that these roles have been shaped by the experiences and situations that have made up my story. The small interaction with the boy in the Brooklyn classroom is just one of many moments that have guided me towards my purpose.
In a world where we are all leading roles in our own stories, it is crucial to recognize the power of small interactions. They have the potential to change lives, inspire purpose, and create a ripple effect of positivity. By embracing our voices and empowering others to do the same, we can make a lasting impact on the world around us, one small interaction at a time.
Creatively yours,
Hollis
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