Captured Fireflies

by Meredith Newlin

A classroom is not always streamlined, logical, and rational, even for those teachers who are always streamlined, logical, and rational. But all the jumbled, messy imperfection somehow doesn't stop many teachers, myself included, from loving the job of teaching. I’ve come to view the mistakes I’ve made along the way as gifts more than setbacks. If you are wondering whether this profession can still bring you joy-despite the headaches and heartaches-then what I’m continuing to learn along my journey might be useful to you. In his poetic essay "A Former Teacher," John Steinbeck wrote of the truths and insights he and his fellow students brought to his teacher, like captured fireflies. This book is a representation of that truthful, inspiring teacher I and most of us strive to be, but also the title is indeed the the chapters are all my captured fireflies—a compilation of truths and insights my students have brought to my English classroom every morning and afternoon without even knowing it, through their energy, vulnerability, courage, kindness, honesty, brilliance, and contagious laughter. Fireflies shine brightly when set free. And when they are, we all get a chance to walk in the light.

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2017

About the author

Meredith Newlin teaches English in Orange County, North Carolina. She is a graduate of LaVenson Press Studios' Women’s Writing Intensive and Full-Length Manuscript Workshop. Her writing has been featured in Firefly Ridge Literary Magazine and NC Boating Lifestyle Magazine, as well as several custom publications, including in-flight airline magazines such as United Airlines Hemispheres and Entertainment Preview; Delta Sky, AT&T Wireless Recognitions website; Carlson Hospitality Voyageur, and American Cancer Society Triumph magazine. She is a native of North Carolina and holds a Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Asheville. She lives in Durham, North Carolina with her family.