Children are amazing. They act with resolve, they speak with honesty, they listen with regard, they be with ease. And if you allow them the opportunity, they will always surprise and impress. It’s this curiosity which makes us human. This imagination which brings us to life.

Children are attuned to our innate behaviors. They operate on a primal level that precedes years of social expectations and insecurity-ridden fallacies. This captivates me and they inspire me. I love to work with young kids. Art-making with people who listen to their primordial voice is especially rewarding. We are so appreciative of our community for allowing us the opportunity to spend an afternoon with an amazing group of elementary students at Fruitvale.

It was an interesting process for us to create a curriculum that would stimulate and excite the students, as well as integrate seamlessly with 23HAM current programming of *Navigate/Position. In brainstorming concepts of map making and major historical shifts, we settled on the motif of “Borders.”

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I used to be a stubborn student. I never wanted to be in school. Faking sick and playing hooky. I always did my work and did it quite well. Four point ohs and honor rolls. Awards of Excellence and Best In Shows. But I saw no validity in the academic environment. I used to dread it – despise it, even. I viewed it as contrived. A bizarre place where unnecessary tasks were assigned and silly rules were enforced.

Now, in my old age, I see the error of my ways. And I understand that the anxious feel of an institution was indeed completely contrived – by me. The academic environment is, on the contrary, a world of possibility. It’s not a rat race or a prison, as I had imagined it. It’s an arena to take risks. A haven for explorers. A place where making money doesn’t matter. Where mistakes are encouraged and self-actualisation is the ultimate goal. Visiting Fruitvale Elementary was a breathe of fresh air. It reminded me what it means to be free.