People Off Paper
What's Your Story?
Embedded Files
Everyone has a STORY to tell.
Everyone has a STORY to tell.
This project is inspired by Rex Ogle’s book, Free Lunch, a memoir of Rex Ogle’s challenging 6th grade year and his realization that we all face similar problems; we are not that different. In one of the last chapters of the book, Rex has a conversation with his new friend Ethan, whose life looks very different from Rex’s life. When Rex tells Ethan he is embarrassed of his life Ethan responds,”But what? You think your embarrassment is worse than mine? No offense, but you’re not that special. You’re just like everyone else. You have issues with your stepdad? So what? I have issues with my stepmom. Welcome to the human race.” The idea of letting other people know us and knowing other people allows us to be empathetic to people. It gives us hope. We do not struggle alone. This project also has roots in the values found in StoryCorps, whose “mission is to preserve and share humanity's stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.”
EVERYONE has a story to tell and EVERYONE’s story is important. Each story adds one more piece to the puzzle that is needed to complete the picture. In telling your story, you find out there are similarities that run through all of us.
We are hoping that this school year you will join us in recording your story and allow us to add your story to the collection of recorded stories in the media center so others can hear how unique you are with the knowledge that "you're just like everyone else".
Welcome to the human race… Welcome to PEOPLE OFF PAPER!
We can’t wait to hear your story!
What is a Memoir?
A memoir is a narrative (story), written from your perspective about an important part of your life. Your story could be based on: one day of your life, an event that had an impact on you, things that have formed your opinion or thinking.
New York Time Learning Network says memoirs are, “stories about moments from their lives big and small, funny and heartwarming, ordinary and extraordinary. Any story from your life can work. It doesn’t have to be the most dramatic thing that has ever happened to you; it can, instead, be about baking brownies with your brother, or a conversation you had on Tuesday’s bus ride to school. What matters is that readers understand why this moment was meaningful to you and perhaps take away some greater meaning or message they can relate to.”
If you are not writing your memoir through your English or Social Studies class, but would like to participate in the memoir writing project, come to the media center and talk to us about writing and recording your memoir.
You can start by filling out this form to let us know you are interested: INTEREST FORM
If you have already written your memoir and it has been proofread by a teacher, make an appointment to come to the media center to record your memoir in the recording booth.
Page updated
Report abuse