If you don’t read any further, just watch this 13-second video of 10th graders reacting to your comments on the Where I’m From poetry sharing site.
Thank you to everyone who has read and commented on student poems, and to those of you who are still planning to do so! We’ve had comments from professors, researchers, doctors, teachers, Fulbrighters, US Embassy and State Department officials, travelers, proud parents, and many meaningful and rich comments from students at Pawcatuck Middle School in Connecticut.
In the two weeks since launching the site, readers have visited from the US, Vietnam, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Palestinian Territories, South Africa and Russia! The students and I appreciate every comment and look forward to reading more.
The site continues to grow. Students in Vietnam are still handing in poems, and I’ve heard from teachers in other schools who are planning on having their students send in poems. Keep reading and commenting, but most of all enjoy the poems!
Here’s another video of students’ reaction to seeing the comments. They were fascinated with the American names.
The university students were also thrilled to see their poems online and read the comments. I was touched by the gifts presented to me and the speeches given by the students. We spent a fair amount of time taking photos outside to remember each other.
Kathleen
December 23, 2016 at 08:35
I am still reading the poems and really enjoying each one as I do. Thank you for these gifts.
What struck me as interesting is how their themes on being a young person in Vietnam (although their own experiences) seem so similar to what American kids think, express and write about.
We will miss you at Christmas. The class videos make me so happy to see the genuine appreciation and love all of the students have blessed you with.
We have spare bedrooms in CT and we would hope to meet some of these remarkable young people one day!
Tim Flanagan
December 24, 2016 at 08:09
Thanks for reading the poems, Kathy. I agree there are more similarities than differences. (Especially in the teen angst poems from some of the high schoolers!) I know many students have a dream of studying in the US, so maybe I’ll be able to introduce you to some of them one day.
Lori Liguori
December 23, 2016 at 08:41
What an honor, Tim! The students love you! That is so incredibly special! We miss you!
Tim Flanagan
December 24, 2016 at 08:10
Yes, it has been an honor. I’ll miss the students! I miss everyone at Pawcatuck Middle also.
Sharon
December 23, 2016 at 15:39
This touched my heart. Merry Christmas Tim!
Tim Flanagan
December 24, 2016 at 08:11
Merry Christmas, Sharon! Thinking of you and your family.
Monica Schnee
December 25, 2016 at 08:36
Thank you Tim and all your students. It has been a wonderful experience to follow all of you!
Have a healthy and happy 2017 filled with adventures and good times!
Tim Flanagan
December 29, 2016 at 22:25
Happy New Year to you! Enjoy your travels and maybe we’ll see each other in Vietnam.
Elaine T
January 4, 2017 at 07:25
This brought tears to my eyes…the gifts and the givers…I’m speechless
Tim Flanagan
January 10, 2017 at 08:41
I was, too. I will miss these students.