I just wanted to say that the GKCWP is very dear to my heart. The summer that I attended the institute I lost my father. The group was there for me to offer great support. I also learned to express myself through writing again. I had always loved to write all through high school and college.

I teach vocal music and have always encouraged students to write their thoughts and feelings down and turn them into songs of their life experiences. I have had students write original musical theatre works with original music as well. Through this process the students learn about their lives and grow from the experiences. I used this tool to learn to heal again, to express my sorrow, happiness, anger and work through a process of a very challenging childhood of severe losses in my life that continued through my adulthood.

Little did I know that taking this class was a start to a very strong healing process in my own life. I was also very depressed and had become sick with diabetes during this summer. I knew something was wrong, and finally went to the doctor. As I have lost weight, and dealt with my own challenges, I have learned to write again. As I wrote , I started a true healing process.I was given permission during the writing institute and the advanced sessions.I also learned to find my self-esteem through teaching the lyric writing workshops and presenting at the Music Educators Conference.

My bottom line is, this is a program of support for educators. It assists teachers in finding their inner strengths, working through personal and professional issues so they can aquire strength to continue in the classrooms and out.  I have learned that I am not alone in my endeavors to educate. I have grown as an educator as well as a person. I now have a wonderful support system outside of my school. I have just finished putting together a beautiful poetry book full of student's poems, songs and artwork. It has connected myself and the students as well as the teachers and the GKCWP. This project has saved a young lady from wanting to cut herself anymore. She felt worthwhile just by having her works put in this book. This project has touched so many lives as does the GKCWP. It is a program that is so worth saving and supporting. I know that is has truly and greatly affected my life and has therefore affected many more.  Thank you to the wonderful people who are keeping this alive!

Leayn Losh
Greater Kansas City Writing Project