by Markell Lewis
"The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again.
The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably.
They don't deceive you with thrills and trick endings.
They don't surprise you with the unforeseen"...
"You know how they end, yet you listen as though you don't.
In the way that although you know that one day you will die, you lives as though won't.
In the Great Stories you know who lives, who dies, who finds love, who doesn't.
And yet you want to know again.
That is their mystery and their magic."
- excerpt from "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
The ability to tell a capitvating story is a powerful tool. It is both a way with words and cadence, as well as with editing. Not telling too much, just enough, leaving the audience guessing, wanting, waiting, and being a part of the story itself.
I've never mastered this, never even really conciously attempted to unfortunately, but the art of storytelling is a powerful tool for leaders. Captivating your audience, drawing them into your cause, plucking a string in their heart. As I move forward on my journey to becoming a Public Health leader, I hope to make a conscious effort to work on my storytelling. How to frame an issue and connect with my team or community. I've always loved telling stories, recounting a funny moment at the store to my friends, and I would like to think of myself as rather adept at engaging the listener. However, I will now think of storytelling as a powerful leadership tool as well.
I was able to be a part of an amazing day and half workshop on digital storytelling, put together for the Public Health Leadership Fellows, and taught by the Center for Digital Storytelling. We all found our stories and our voice, in a circle of trust and affirmation, and these stories came to life as we learned the software and edited our videos. It was truly an amazing experience and would encourage others to learn more about this fascinating and powerful medium. Not only did I get to see my fellow fellows' final products, I was able to be there with them, along their journeys, as their stories grew.
There are many reasons for why I am here today, and sometimes a single memory can illuminate it all. I hope you watch my video below, and get a glimpse into why I am here as a fellow, why I'm interested in Public Health Nutrition, and why I want to change how people eat.
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Markell,
ReplyDeleteI really really loved your story. Your connection with your grandma was so evident and powerful. When I was watching, it reminded me of my own grandma who is 93. Every time I visit her, she goes out of her way to make my favorite meals as an expression of her love for me. Food is one way that she shows that she cares and it's always important to her that my daughter and I have a fully belly. It's also over a meal that we have our best conversations about life. So, when I think of my grandma, who is active in life as your grandmother was evidently from the way you described her, it makes me think of all of my favorite dishes and desserts and how happy it makes her to please our tummies :)
Markell,
ReplyDeleteI too was very impressed with your story! It was really cool how you combined your love for family and food, and I love all of the old family photos as well. Looking forward to seeing your second digital story next spring!
Markell,
ReplyDeleteYou had a very great story and I completely identify with your connection to food and family. It seems like every great moment with my family has somehow revolved around food as well. Even during our winter break I knew I was really home when my mom spoiled me cooking all the foods that I have been missing since I moved out here. When I try cooking these meals myself they are always missing something because I am not enjoying them with family. Your story really helped me learn more about your journey and it was very clear why you are dedicated to improving how people eat.