Comfort Zone by Bertrand E. Boyd II I knew firsthand that - TopicsExpress

Comfort Zone by Bertrand E. Boyd II I knew firsthand that Wilkes-Barre, PA was going to be a new and invigorating experience for me prior to my arrival from Miami, FL. I spoke briefly about the creative writing program with well-loved alum, Jason Carney. He advised me, work hard; study hard. I did not take the advice lightly. I received a packet in the mail informing me to prepare to write for an entire week. Since writing is what I want to do with my future, the packet was welcome news. Helpful tips for success were also included. I was advised to leave my normal and everyday” activities at home because this would be a boot-camp for writers; nothing would deter the process. I did not realize then what I was in for, but I quickly found out last week. Arriving at Wilkes University was an instant culture shock for me. Im from Miami, a city that flourishes in cultural diversity. Additionally, I am a graduate of Benedict College in Columbia, SC, a historically black institution of higher learning. I honestly had never been in a situation where I was the only minority, but not once did I feel uncomfortable while at Wilkes. However, I knew I stuck out like a sore thumb. I understood that once people heard me speak and caught my noticeable southern drawl, they would know that I was a foreigner. My brown skin, scruffy beard and tattoos didnt make me inconspicuous either. Yet, Ive always been comfortable with who I am as an individual as well as the skin I wear, but in the same breath, I was far from naive and fully aware that I was a young black man in a predominately white setting. I could hear my militant dead fathers voice in my head telling me be careful; don’t trust them white folks. I could hear him asking me, What in the hell are you thinking? I also heard the other side of him appreciating that I needed and wanted this experience, so words of endearment would follow his radical black man rant. I know if he were still alive, he would be highly concerned with my safety. He would not want me to be taken advantage of while being so far away from home. And with all that has occurred in recent years with young men of color, I recognized his past concerns, but I didnt want to contaminate a whale I had never drunk from. I was willing to embrace my new city with an open-mind and heart. Im an introvert by nature. I tend to live in my own big bubble, and I am perfectly content with that. I welcome into my world what I deem necessary, and I go about my business. Last week, the instructors explained to me and my cohort that reading was vital to becoming a successful writer. The instructors asked to share a favorite book or one that changed us. My peers shared titles of books and authors that had never been introduced to me. Literary classics such as Melvilles Moby Dick, Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, Dickens’, Oliver Twist and Bukowskis Post Office were just a few of the names that were mentioned. I didnt feel intimidated because Ive read many books too. Alex Haleys The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Anthony Browders,The Browder Files, Jim Browns Out of Bounds and Kyballion by The Three Initiatives. My father was not fond of fictitious writing, and this belief was instilled in me as well. He felt that I could not learn anything valid from stories that werent real; my book choices developed from the ideology and thinking of my father. For eight days, the highly decorated group of instructors tested our writing fortitude. I was learning words that had never graced my ears. The dictionary and I were reacquainted after experiencing an extensive severance. Learning was not at all new to me, but the workload and long days took a toll on my body. Though, it felt like necessary training. I knew I was strong, but the daily regimen was making me stronger. From 9am to 9pm and the few hours before bed to complete my assignments; I was completely committed. Various writing panels provided me with direct contact to professional writers. Each professional shared their personal process and experiences regarding what it would take to become a prominent writer in any genre, non-fiction, poetry, screen play, playwrights and fiction. I learned the avid reader is a great writer. One must be well read in order to be an effective and efficient writer. I jotted down notes from every panel discussion. I soaked in the readings at night. I became engulfed with a tremendous experience. I got to see, first hand, the writing process that exercised an array of styles and techniques for writing. Everything I learned in undergrad was magnified ten times in the creative writing program at Wilkes. I was no longer majoring in English but now a graduate student in a creative writing program. Eventually, I will have my Masters. I made a promise that I would read at least six new books by the time I return for the January residency. I want to be exposed to new and unfamiliar topics; my eight day experience in Wilkes- Barre did that to me. The people in my cohort are simply amazing in their own unique way. I have made life-long friends with most of them. We will endure the challenges in this writing program together. I learned a few things about myself in the process. I learned that I need to get outside my comfort zone and not only read more but read all the genres. My strengths are well intact when it comes to oral presentations. As quiet and standoffish as I may appear, I never have any reservations with speaking in front of people. Im like a duck in a pond most times, but I always get through it. And I am looking forward to this journey because even though Im unfamiliar with the people and the atmosphere, I can see that Im not alone, and that can be very comforting. ©2014