Pat McLean-Smith - Teachers Make a Difference - Dr. Regina Jennings

The speaker shares their journey from writing privately to sharing their work publicly, inspired by a professor at Temple University who taught a class called New Black Voices. Initially hesitant, the speaker was encouraged by the professor to share their poetry, leading to a long-lasting mentorship. Over 23 years, their relationship evolved from mentor-mentee to peers, highlighting personal growth and the impact of supportive mentorship.

What motivated the narrator to join the 'New Black Voices' class?

• The reputation of Temple University

• The teacher's involvement in a passive program

• The influence of a family member

• A desire to improve their writing skills

How did the teacher react upon reading the narrator's poetry?

• She advised the narrator to keep it private

• She took the narrator under her wing

• She encouraged the narrator to publish immediately

• She suggested minor improvements

What was the narrator's initial experience with sharing their poetry?

• They had shared it widely before

• They had only shared it with friends

• It was their first time sharing outside family

• They were hesitant to share at all

How does the narrator describe their current relationship with the teacher?

• As a mentor-student relationship

• As a distant acquaintance

• As peers and friends

• As professional rivals

What does the narrator consider a great compliment from the teacher?

• Being invited to a literary event

• Being offered a teaching position

• Being recognized as a peer

• Being called a talented poet