Growing up, I revered the New York Public Library.
I love books, thanks to my mother, an English teacher who read me wonderful ones for many hours. When I found out I could get my very own library card once I could sign my name, I was very motivated. Mom mocked up cardboard cards for me to practice on:
Never did I imagine I might be invited to speak at the New York Public Library, that palace for knowledge we would occasionally trek to from Brooklyn. And I certainly didn’t imagine that I’d be there to discuss my own book. 😮 But in October, near the end of my book tour, I found myself gazing up at those large concrete guard lions, mounting those majestic stairs.
The occasion was all the more sweet because it was a family affair: I was in conversation with my cousin Steve Connell, whose incredible poem “This Living Earth” appears in my book (and which you get to hear him read in this episode!). We talked about how our family had shaped us, the role of art and humor in the serious work of climate, and our early inspirations. (This episode could alternately be called: how goofing off at our big family Christmas celebrations inspired my approach to climate communications.)
And the ultimate sweetness was that my 1st grade science teacher was in the audience, right in front. She made science so welcoming and exciting and was a powerful early influence on me. I hadn’t seen her since I was 7, and to have her cheering me on that night was so moving. You’ll hear our warm reunion in the audio — it’s a miracle I didn’t cry! Thank you, thank you, Ms. Kristiansen. ❤️
And shoutout to the School for Field Studies crew, who was also in the audience. Through their program, I studied abroad in Turks and Caicos (among the few truly excellent decisions I made in college), and that solidified my multi-disciplinary approach to conservation.
All this is to say, maybe track down a favorite teacher and express your gratitude. That plus family and poetry... what better ways to celebrate the holiday season. ✨
CREDITS: This episode was produced and edited by Nora Saks, and me, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Big thanks to my cousin Steve Connell, and to the New York Public Library for hosting us and for recording this audio. And credit where it’s due, to all the wonderful teachers out there. You never know the ripples you create in the world...
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