Academics
Writing and Thinking Workshop > Comments from Prior Participants
---My experience can hardly be summed up in words. I had one of the greatest times of my life. I learned so much about myself as a writer. From reading other writers’ pieces and learning new techniques for understanding them, to translating into words the stories told by images in works of art, to creating personal works of art in nature: all of these activities helped to make my individual experience at the workshop incredible. I felt like the workshop leaders and the resident advisers were always there for me, eager to help me push myself to create pieces of writing that captured and expressed all of my thoughts, reactions, and feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed being around such dedicated, caring, and responsive mentors, with whom I felt very comfortable sharing my writing and ideas on absolutely anything: art, books, music, anything. Not only did I love attending the workshop, I met some of the nicest, smartest, and most interesting people, with whom I shared so much in common. Within two weeks, I managed to make some of the greatest friends, who I feel like I have known for a lifetime. We spent every moment out of workshop together, truly forging a deep bond that I have a feeling will transcend those two weeks. A community of writers brings together such compatible people who can understand one another at a level that cannot be found in the ordinary school environment. I miss everything about being at the Writing and Thinking Workshop.
---I'm breathless. This whole week has enlightened me. I have been so confused lately. Didn't know where I was headed, what I wanted, who I was and then it all clicked. I remember one of the first days when my workshop leader asked us to name two things we knew for sure. I didn't know anything for certain. But as Thomasina [in Tom Stoppard's play Arcadia] evolved, I felt myself evolve. I'm starting to question if I'm a new person right now. This very minute I think I've changed. I'm different. I feel alive for the first time in six months. I want to scream, cry and laugh. Because I'm so happy, but sad at the same time that this will eventually have to end. I'm going to have to leave behind the people who enlightened me, opened me up and breathed life back into me. Lungs that had forgotten how to breathe, a heart that had forgotten how to beat and a mind that had forgotten how to think. I have found what I am looking for. Everything fulfilled in just a few days. Days when time stood still.
---More than ever, I realized that I am in my element when writing and thinking like this and I absolutely want to continue with it. I have been challenged to be more creative and try new approaches, which opened up new ideas for me as well. As a person, I have gained confidence and wisdom from the community. I feel I am a better listener now. I am more in tune with my true self, and this allows me to relate to others more openly.
---I've become more introspective and laid-back. I notice nature much more. I pay attention to the little things in life around me. I appreciate and am more open to other peoples' ideas, thoughts, emotions, and attitudes. I've gained many tools, techniques, and insights on writing and its many processes.
---I feel like I've gotten much better at thinking about my writing, and I've gone deeper inside myself to write something than any other time before this. I just kept pushing forward. I've grown more confident about the way I think and how I view things. I take writing more seriously now.
The Workshop has truly altered my life, my perspectives, my goals, and opened up a new path of opportunity that I thought was closed. Turns out it was only under construction!
---Never before have I felt so happy and hopeful—-I learned so much and felt so at home while I was in Lake Forest. The experience has changed me for the better in so many ways.
Comments from Parents of Prior Participants
Parents of prior participants write:
1999
Lake Forest College's Writing and Thinking Workshop was a breath of fresh air for my daughter at the end of her 11th grade year. The nonjudgmental approach allowed her to explore her creative skills in a totally new way. She found the exercises continually challenging and stimulating. She is now clear about her passion for writing. We also found the staff of the Workshop to be fantastic--encouraging, skillful, and sensitive. Thank you for this special gift you offered.
2001
I wanted you to know how valuable the Writing and Thinking Workshop was for our daughter. She said it was the perfect balance of work and play. The blend of cultural and social activities provided group experiences that she could, in her own private time, reflect on in her writings. She has always enjoyed math and science; now she includes poetry in her list of passions. Thank you for providing an enriching experience.
2002
My daughter, though a dedicated writer, was initially a bit hesitant about spending some of her summer in a Writing and Thinking Workshop. She was concerned about being away from friends and thought that it might be too academic for the summer. Since the program information promised some field trips and she was interested in meeting other writers she eventually decided to attend. She returned home enthusiastic about the experience, more confident in her abilities, and very grateful that she had made the decision to go. She learned that other young people are "deep thinkers" and that "there are some really talented kids out there." Rather than finding this intimidating or discouraging, the collaborative nature of the workshop experience inspired her and she solidified her own writer's identity. She came away from her stay at Lake Forest College with a portfolio of poems, one of which received a commendation from the Harold Corbin Memorial Prize in Poetry competition at her school. In addition to the work that she herself produced, she returned home inspired to read other poetry, some of which fellow workshop members recommended.
2003
My son participated in your Writing and Thinking Workshop last summer. The outcome is marvelous. Now he easily writes essays and poetry. He is very creative, and now this creativity flows with grace. You have provided a valuable service by inspiring him to participate more fully in life.
2004
I want to share with you how much our son enjoyed the Writing & Thinking Workshop. It was the first time he ever attended anything like this and it has had a great, positive impact on him. He is hearing from new friends from all over the country, and feels validated about his ability and talent. Thank you for making the tremendous effort needed to organized such an outstanding program, year after year!