Hendrix Helps Clear Up the Storm
Susannah Bard
As someone who enjoys writing, I think the most important idea of writing is not the story you’re telling, but rather the impression you’re leaving. When I read James Frey’s book A million Little Pieces: A Memoir, I was deeply impressed by his talented writing skills and by the feeling I was left with after reading the book.
When Oprah chose Frey’s book as her book club book of the month, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. Frey’s book offers a character that is witty, sarcastic, and appealing. The story he tells is inspiring and motivating, showing that with help you can overcome any great obstacle. What American would that not appeal to?
Selling millions of copies and making lots of money Oprah can definitely take some of the credit for the success of this book. Giving Frey the publicity of her book club would obviously not only be a great honor but a great marketing tool as well.
Months after being on Oprah, The Smoking Gun did their research and came across evidence that proved stories in A Million Little Pieces to be fiction. Because it was written as a memoir, because Frey openly talked about the book being his life story on Oprah, the controversy has risen immensely.
The controversy appealed to me because I was a fan of the book and a fan of the author. But seeing Frey on Larry King Live was just confusing me more. The sarcastic character in the book was not the one I was seeing on TV. But you know, I think being publicly attacked on national television might do that to you.
So I turned to sources a little closer to home.
Scott Hendrix, former VHS teacher, grew up with Frey and was close friends with him during high school in St. Joseph, Michigan. He has kept in contact with Frey since high school, and even after the publishing of the book.
“Jimmy was one of my close friends in high school. During 10th grade I’d say he was my best friend,” Hendrix said.
After high school, both went their separate ways to college and only saw each other during the summers back home. After Frey’s parents moved Hendrix didn’t see him as often, although he has continued to keep in contact with Frey up until the publishing of the book and even after.
From One Island to Another
Sierra Saunders
Since her first visit in 1992, much loved Puddle Stomper Preschool teacher, Tressa Azpiri has taken annual trips down to Jamaica. She doesn’t holiday at touristy resorts, but rather spends her time in a typical village, doing what she does best, teaching.
Azpiri’s focus is in the Rainbow Learning School, an alternative to most Jamaican schools in the sense that tuition and lunch come hand-in-hand. At most schools, from preschool to, for the lucky few, high school, this isn’t the case. At the Rainbow Learning School, Azpiri has created, and will continue to enforce, the freedom of creativity. Without the lavish resources that many Americans take for granted, the school’s curriculum isn’t always well rounded.
“At one school, all they had was a history book. So all they learned that year was history,” said Azpiri.
By teaching children to learn creatively, using the plentiful resources the earth has to offer, students can tackle basic math and reading skills. Working in a 10 foot by 14 foot classroom with 60 to 80 students where chalkboards separate each grade level makes it difficult for students to focus.
“It brings me back to the days of open concept at McMurray and Vashon High,” said Azpiri.
Because of the noise, students are taken outside. Sticks are used to carve checkerboards, backgammon boards or dig little holes for play moncala.
“We collect bottle caps, rocks and shells to be playing pieces and make dice out of small milk cartons or little chunks of wood,” said Azpiri.
She compared the notion of learning off the land to making leaf crowns, stick houses, corn dolls and bark boats with Puddle Stompers. Such crafts became the inspiration for this particular trip when photographer Kathleen Webster captured Puddle Stomper students in the moment. Webster and VHS counselor Shirley Ferris are going to Jamaica with Azpiri to create a photo documentation curriculum book for third world countries showing how to use what is locally available to develop games, teaching tools and crafts.
“The big thing we’re trying to implement is using what they already have,” said Azpiri.
VHS Interact Club is also doing their part to pitch in. During the second week of February, donation boxes will be set up in both the Pharmacy and Thriftway and a craft sale was hosted Superbowl weekend.
Anything from backpacks to books, Legos, clothes, baby black dolls, scientific calculators and condoms will be greatly appreciated. Azpiri stressed that shoes are especially important to Jamaican children. They’re a measure of status. Something as simple as a pair of shoes will be treasured for far longer than they fit. Most children cut the toes off so they can wear them just a little bit longer.
Azpiri’s work in Jamaica has already made a difference and will continue to do so. When students can teach themselves with the tools they have, they’re given the chance to love learning, the most precious gift her generosity will give them.