Jack Ridl was my undergraduate college poetry professor. For more than 20 years now he has continued to mentor me — continually teaching me what it means to be truly WITH people — whether that’s on the page, in the classroom, or in a conversation.
Throughout my childhood, but especially in vulnerable and anxious transitions of my adolescence and early adulthood, I struggled with a stutter. Jack made room for me, for my words and my struggle to get them out, in his classroom in a way I had never before experienced. The respect he cultivated, and the bravery he built in me, is something I will be grateful for forever and ever and ever.
Tonight at Hope College, where Jack first taught me, he and I will sit down to have a public conversation about Enemies in the Orchard, about writing, and about life life. I hope you can join us. To be on stage with Jack, and to share it with others who also care about words and language, means a great deal to me.
Refreshments will be served and books (both Jack’s and mine) will be available for purchase and signing after our talk.
Huge shoutout to the amazing Deb VanDuinen, Hope Education professor and Director of the NEA Big Read Lakeshore, for making this event happen, as well as to the Hope College Education, English, and History departments for co-sponsoring the event.
If you live in the West Michigan area, I hope to see you there!
Dana