Reflections on a Summer of Collaboration, Chaos, and Creativity – Sofia

Sofia is a senior at John Carroll University majoring in English and early childhood education. She spent summer 2021 as an intern at Lake Erie Ink teaching, designing the display for the Creative Community Challenge, helping with camps and marketing, and organizing the Growth anthology. 

When I applied to be one of John Carroll University’s Summer in the City interns back in January, I had no idea where I would be placed for nonprofit work. After months of anticipation, my supervisor finally made the announcement: I would be working with Lake Erie Ink! I was shocked and thrilled; as a double major in English and early childhood education, LEI was the perfect fit! This feeling was confirmed as soon as I walked into LEI and met Amy, Jill, Melanie, Catherine, and Eli, who were welcoming and energetic. I at once felt at home among the colorful bookshelves, messy supplies, and giant duct tape pencils. 

My first task, of course, was organization: I mapped out a 12’ x 5’ calendar of all the camps and events LEI was scheduled to host over the next three months of summer, the sheer number of which surpassed overwhelming to become absolutely awing. While Amy and I brainstormed how to design the calendar, she assured me a number of times that it was alright if it did not come together, to which I would respond that “I’d just have to fiddle with it until I figured it out!” This attitude embracing experimentation and problem solving was one that I picked up from the other teaching artists at LEI, and which I brought to all the new things I tried this summer. From putting together the anthology to designing the storefront display to simply bleaching the sink, every new thing I tried this summer taught me new skills, introduced me to wonderful people, and created funny memories (like the four times I accidentally sprayed myself in the face with the faucet at the storefront, because I did not learn my lesson the first time). 

The scariest and most rewarding new thing I tried, though, was teaching my own poetry classes at the Shaker schools. I spent the three weeks beforehand writing lesson plans and reading poetry books, but once I met the students on the first day, I completely revised all my plans in accordance with their abilities and interests. As I began building relationships with the students, I was able to use my knowledge of their favorite stories, rappers, and games to create fun writing activities tailored toward each class. I was also lucky to work with two other teaching artists, Vivian and Story, and I learned so much from them while helping out in their classrooms during my free periods. I especially enjoyed our daily debriefing sessions, when we would gather for a few minutes and talk about how the classes went. It was wonderful to be able to talk about our worries and successes together, and I enjoyed their funny stories and benefitted from their wise advice. 

Teaching at Shaker confirmed my decision to pursue a career in education. Coming from a long line of doctors, deciding to become a teacher was a risky choice, especially after hearing many cautionary tales from other teachers. On my first day at Woodbury, I knew that there would be tough days and happy days, and I was right; but reflecting on the six weeks of teaching, I believe that I successfully conveyed to students that writing is fun and creative, and that there are teachers in their community who value student writing. Whenever I teach, I know that even if everything that could go wrong does go wrong, at the very least, the students had an adult come in who gave them attention and support. Even if they still protest that they do not enjoy writing, they know that their teachers want to hear their voices and that their ideas are important. This is the philosophy that the other teachers at LEI share as well, and it is why the organization has been able to cultivate such an accepting and encouraging community. 

Now that the summer programs have come to an end, I can hardly believe that we accomplished all of those events that cluttered the calendar back in June. I am grateful to have been a part of the team that made all the programs a success. I hope to continue to cultivate friendships with the remarkable people I have met at LEI, and I know that I will use the new skills and lessons I have learned throughout my teaching career. I am extraordinarily thankful to have spent the summer learning and writing with LEI, and I will bring LEI’s relaxed energy and spirit of collaborative experimentation to every class I teach in the future. Thank you, Lake Erie Ink!

Nyla McMickle

Nyla McMickle volunteered at Lake Erie Ink as a part of her Junior Service Project with Beaumont School. The following are pieces of her final reflection for the time she spent with us.

Everyday after school, i drove to the headquarters in coventry directly behind the park. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Adam, the teacher, and another teacher…Around 3:45 we were greeted with Boisterous laughter, giggling, slight screams, and the sound of pattering feet. Evelyn and Shiya, the child version of Thelma and Louise, always greeted me with a hug. Their hug was usually followed by a “Ms.Nyla we missed you so much!” although they had seen me a day or two before.

For myself, I learned that patience is key. Kids will definitely test your patience but in the end their most likely doing it out of love. Honestly,this experience helped me to further realize that my calling is to work with kids at some point in time in my life. God calls everyone to serve to demonstrate our love by serving one another. Throughout life God guides you in the direction to do what’s right. For me, Lake Erie Ink is on of my biggest calls so far to serve in life. This call led me to another call to serve children in the future.

The kids (at Lake Erie Ink) have changed me for the better. The kids at Noble Elementary will forever be my little siblings. Every tuesday and Thursday I look forward to getting into my car after school and pulling into the parking lot. Hearing the screech of children coming down the slide. The patter of the jump rope hitting the black top, and most importantly the smiles on the kids faces. I am proud to say that I was able to work with an organization like Lake Erie Ink that provides kids all over the city with opportunities to better their lives in some way, shape, or form.

To the kids at Lake Erie Ink, you have changed me forever. I can honestly say that my life is much better with you all in it. You have no idea how much of a positive effect you have on my life. When I am down because of a bad grade, having a stressful day or facing problems at home, you are my lightness in the dark. You all have beautiful , bright and one-of-a-kind personalities that I hope never change. You all always ask me how it feels to be an “adult” or complain about how much you  hate being in elementary school. My real advice is to take full advantage of these years while they last. Hold on to the good memories on the playground, innocent laughter and your hilarious yet creative dancing videos. Because before you know it you will be applying to college, taking your SATs and facing a whole new chapter in your life that even I can’t believe is here called college. I love you all more than you can imagine. Thank you for this amazing experience.

The Spirit of Lake Erie Ink

By Alec Plumley

Alec Plumley was a senior English/Professional Writing Major and Philosophy Minor at John Carroll University who has worked as an intern at LEI during the Spring 2019 semester. He has worked in a leadership role on campus in JCU’s only Co-ed A Cappella group, has extensive experience in theater production, and hopes to pursue a career in technical or creative writing.

It’s a tricky thing, planning a course for the rest of your life, and yet people seem to do it every day. Only a few months ago, the pressure to start making those decisions regarding, what seemed to be, the rest of my life were coming due. One of those decisions was where I would like to complete my internship, a requirement for the Professional Writing major. After searching, I eventually decided to apply to Lake Erie Ink. A non-profit focused on creative writing, specifically for young writers? I was amazed at how perfect it sounded for me. Little did I know that not only would all the writing goals that I set for myself be fulfilled, but also that the uneasiness I had been feeling in regards to my Professional Writing focus was slowly giving way to new confidence.

At first I was nervous, the possibility of working and writing in a professional setting was daunting to me. I had years of experience at work, in and out of the classroom, but in less mature positions. Responsibilities at Lake Erie Ink would be so much more important; emails, deadlines, and staff meetings were things I wasn’t used to, and I was unsure how well I would handle them alone. That was my first misconception about my time at LEI, though I would be working by my own skills, I was never alone.

From my first day in the office, Jill and Amy were always there. They would make sure I understood my task and what they needed from me, allowing me to be confident in my own abilities. Barbra was always there for notes regarding communications and copy going out to participants of our Giant Bananagrams event in March of 2019. The professional writing and office aspects of my time at LEI was infinitely beneficial, and I am deeply grateful.

But of all the responsibilities I became familiar with during my time at LEI the experiences I am sure l will cherish as the most rewarding and (definitely) the most fun, are those I shared with Adam and the kids I met in Ink Spot. Because of my class schedule I unfortunately was only able to consistently help out on Wednesday evenings, but despite only seeing these kids once a week, I grew to know and care about them all immensely. This part of my internship was initially the most intimidating, but by the end of my first day with the kids, I knew every time I arrived in the classroom I would be in for a fun and enriching experience. I cannot thank Adam enough for all of his patience and help as I started to build up my confidence as an adult in the room. The skills and moments I was given at Lake Erie Ink will follow me no matter where I go in the future.

In my last semester as an Undergraduate, I could not dream of a more dedicated and generous group of people to embody what the professional world should really look like. Every member of the LEI community taught me something this year, and I am so thankful that I had a chance to be even a small part of what is sure to be a long and fruitful history. The attitude that every member lives everyday, of instruction and mentorship for the betterment of young people through written expression, really does make a difference in the world. And no matter where I go, I will carry the spirit of Lake Erie Ink with me.

Lessons Learned: My Internship with Lake Erie Ink

By Won Hee Kim

Won Hee Kim is an intern at Lake Erie Ink and a third-year English major at Case Western Reserve University. Won Hee is the president of Writers Writing Words, the campus’s creative writing club.

Thirty minutes into my summer internship with Lake Erie Ink, my boss asked if I could help with a printing issue. I hardly knew what to do, being an English major and economics minor. But we needed attendance sheets for that week’s camp. I learned my first important lesson about nonprofits while fiddling with the computer controls: people in nonprofits do whatever they can, wherever they can. Nonprofit staffers wear many hats, and I was eager to start wearing some of my own.

My collection of hats grew steadily over the course of the summer. In a single week, I might be a techie, a janitor, an office assistant and a data entry clerk. The next week, I might be a teaching assistant, a guest speaker, an artist or an editor. From my co-workers I learned new and unexpected skills: how to operate a commercial printer, unlock push bars, and set up a projector and speaker. 

I learned that I already knew how to do things I did not believe I was capable of, such as writing press releases and making connections with the literary sector of Cleveland. I researched the skills I did not yet have, but which were within my capabilities, such as editing grant proposals and creating infographics. I helped with summer programs, taking on more responsibilities. I inspired youth to write and was, in turn, inspired by them. I learned how to be the cool older cousin that I had always wanted, and who I always wanted to be—a positive semi-adult figure for the kids.

I initially applied for my internship at Lake Erie Ink to learn about the administrative and technical sides of nonprofits, but I learned a lot more than that. Through my internship I learned to fake confidence and competency until I actually became confident and competent. I learned to be adaptable, to constantly challenge my perceived limits. I learned to be a good role model by leading with both examples and words. I learned about why nonprofit work called to me in the first place—for the people we help and the changes we make.

Reflections on my summer internship at Lake Erie Ink

By Nina Kerr, August 2018

Although I haven’t ever seriously considered teaching children as a job prospect, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed working with kids. They are both hilarious and wise, deeply thoughtful and silly, and open-minded to trying new and interesting things in such an inspiring way.

As a full-time college student for most of the year, it is always tempting to let the summertime be a time for idleness. I rationalize my lazy summers by believing that it is necessary to have some downtime to balance the stress and difficulty of the academic year (an ideal that has often got me into a pattern of thinking which justifies getting out of my pajamas as a noteworthy daily task). This summer, my last summer as an undergraduate student, I decided it would be in my best interest, both for my resume and for my happiness, to do something that matters. Now, as I wrap up my time at Lake Erie Ink, I can easily say that I definitely found the meaningful summer I was looking for, and much much more.

As an intern, I have been able to work alongside teachers at various summer camps, both in the greater Cleveland area and on site at LEI. In this, I have been able to witness first hand what makes this such a special place. Although I haven’t ever seriously considered teaching children as a job prospect, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed working with kids. They are both hilarious and wise, deeply thoughtful and silly, and open-minded to trying new and interesting things in such an inspiring way. When asked to do different crafts or write from different prompts, I was always amazed at the interesting and unique products the students created. I also got to see the process of building a creative community from start to finish each week, and by the end of each camp, I was sad to have to say goodbye to the students who had easily become new friends.

On the flip side, I have also been able to experience the “behind-the-scenes” work that is necessary for creating a smooth running non-profit organization—things such as reading through student and parent evaluations, sorting and organizing supplies so that the teachers have easier access to the materials they need, and learning the importance of thoughtful communication about what can make the summer programs as successful and enjoyable as possible.

But what really made my summer LEI so rewarding was more than just getting to do the work that makes this place the special place that it is; it was the spirit of welcome and warmth I experienced both from the staff and teachers, and from the students I worked with. Every time I walked into an LEI space, whether it was an offsite library classroom, or the back office of the organization, I felt a sense of openness and kindness, a desire to connect with others, and an overall supportive, positive attitude from everyone. Now, I can go into my final year of undergrad with a clearer vision of what I want for my future. Although I am still figuring out exactly what that looks like, I now know, after spending my summer at LEI, that I definitely want to build a future in which I not only get to express my own creativity, but also one in which I can help others find the time, space, and courage to express theirs as well. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that I was given this summer, and will always keep Lake Erie Ink in a special place in my heart.

We need you!

If you like creative writing, have a story to share, a skill to teach, or a subject you know a lot about, then becoming a Lake Erie Ink volunteer is the thing for you!

Our Volunteers:
• Connect one-on-one with school age youth
• Provide academic support and tutoring
• Encourage youth to use writing as a tool for self expression
• Act as role models and mentors for youth in our community

Volunteer opportunities are available for:
• The Ink Spot After School Program
• Evening & Weekend Ink writing workshops
• In school writing support
• Behind the scenes: publications, media, events, and more.
Our next volunteer orientation is WED., SEPTEMBER 9th 6:30-8:00pm
If you want to get involved or learn more about what we do,
please contact us at 216-320-4757 or email: staff@lakeerieink.org

Lake Erie Ink Volunteers Flyer fall 2015

 

Reflections from a returning volunteer

I’ve always loved writing and enjoy working with children, so when I heard about Lake Erie Ink, I was eager to get involved. While the premise seemed interesting, I had no idea how rewarding the experience would be. Helping students start writing could sometimes be challenging, but finding ways to get students engaged became the best parts of my day. My favorite part of my experience was helping a student go from being reluctant about a prompt to engrossed in the production of their own words on a page. Also, getting to know a diverse, intelligent, and kind group of students, volunteers, and coordinators has broadened my horizons and made my experience all the more enjoyable. My experience volunteering at Lake Erie Ink has been one of the most enriching parts of these past two summers.

Cathy Perloff, Beachwood High School

Our 2014 JCU summer intern, Kara Simon

My time at Lake Erie Ink has been incredibly valuable for my writing and education. Being a Creative Writing major with no intent to teach, I was cautious about the internship even after numerous recommendations from my professors, but having spent my summer here I can say that it is a great opportunity. I have been exposed to so many new ideas coming from both the curriculum and the students. The best part of my experience was how rewarding it was to come in everyday and see the product of my collaboration with the students, knowing that I had helped them express themselves in a new way. The internship was hands-on and thought provoking and I am #thankful.

Melissa Reflects on Post-Grad Internship at LEI

In the spring of 2013, as my graduation from college loomed closer, about to swallow me like an ominous, all-consuming shadow, I kept tweaking my resume, writing dozens of cover letters, and filling out pages of job applications, sending them into the vast black hole of the internet in the hopes of finding a steady, full-time job, which has proven to be as mystical and elusive as a unicorn. Graduation came and went, and I continued spending hours in front of my computer, sending resume materials into space, trying to figure out what I could possibly do for the rest of my life with a retail background and a creative writing degree. Like most twenty-somethings, I am still trying to solve the tangled puzzle of my future, but Lake Erie Ink has taught me that you don’t always have to have everything figured out, and you certainly don’t have to box yourself into a traditional cubicle from 9-5 every day.

Last September, four months after leaving school, I received an email from an old professor about internship opportunities with Lake Erie Ink. During my time at Hiram College, I had heard about the organization and its work with Cleveland youth, and I had almost contacted them earlier about internships. In the midst of another day filled with job postings and cover letters, I decided to reach out to Amy in the hopes of getting some experience that might make a potential employer at least read halfway down my resume without hitting the delete button. Just a few days after our initial conversation, I visited Lake Erie Ink’s space and discussed my goals with Amy. I had been keeping my options open for a job in marketing, and fell in love with the idea of helping to promote an organization that helps kids express themselves through writing, something that I have always been passionate about.

Fast forward a few months, and I was creating newsletters, writing articles about Lake Erie Ink’s programs for The Heights Observer, and distributing press releases for the organization’s upcoming events. I had also landed an editorial assistant position with another local newspaper, The Spirit of Bainbridge, and was contributing monthly articles there, as well. Amy even talked me into helping with writing workshops at St. Rocco’s School, where I had the opportunity to meet some of the kids that Lake Erie Ink works with. I had never wanted to teach—I never thought I was outgoing or patient enough to work with kids. But through the program at St. Rocco’s, I was able to directly help students begin writing and improve their drafts, and it felt great to be able to share my passion for creative writing with kids who might one day follow in my footsteps and pursue a career in writing.

In my last few months at Lake Erie Ink, I helped organize the second Teen Fiction Symposium and had the opportunity to meet local writers, who shared their own stories of setbacks and success. The event gave new energy to my dream of becoming a published author, and was one of my favorite experiences with Lake Erie Ink.

As I continue looking toward my future, that dark shadow has begun to dissipate. In addition to my work with The Spirit of Bainbridge, I have also been awarded my own Solon community column on Cleveland.com and in the Chagrin Solon Sun newspaper, as I have accepted a position as a freelance writer for the Sun News with Northeast Ohio Media Group. I still don’t have that full-time job that I’ve been so desperately hunting for, but it will come. And so will my first published novel. My internship with Lake Erie Ink has shown me that not everyone has to work that 9-5 job in an office with photographs of their two, beautiful children on their desk. Amy and Cynthia don’t. They cut their own path, establishing their own organization and giving kids a place to express themselves, to let their voices be heard in a world that might not always listen. They have inspired me to keep tinkering with my writing, to keep searching for any opportunity that will allow me to use my passion to help others—even if it’s not that full-time, steady job that I’ve been hunting for.

Megan Reflects on a High School Internship at LEI

I  am a seventeen year old junior at The Montessori High School at University Circle. I am an avid writer and reader and I hope to one day become a published author. I want to share my passion of writing with others and the Ink Spot is the perfect place for that! I’ve been volunteering at Lake Erie Ink since September of this year, and it has become such a special place to me. I love seeing the kids every week and talking with them about books they are reading or what is going on at school. It’s always nice to sit down and help them with their writing. Whether it is asking questions until the story comes, or watching them write until the page is full, I love it. Volunteering at the Ink Spot has introduced me to some amazing people, and I love Lake Erie Ink’s mission. I hope to give others the passion of writing and help other kids express themselves. Thank you Lake Erie Ink, for giving me this opportunity!