A+Page+for+Jen

This is a page for our creative dedications to Jen. Please add your pieces as you write them and and ask for feedback if you would like.

I simply wanted to write how I remember everyone in our SWWP group was so nervous about Jen being in class with us. I remember the worrying whispers to each other wondering if they would have to present on a day when such an inspiring and intelligent person was there. Back in June I remember I was very anxious, and restlessly waited to read the feedback cards to see what she thought of my lesson. Now I just feel so grateful and honored that she was there to see my lesson and be part of it. I have her feedback card, her handwriting, and a few memories of the wonderful person that she was. -Jacqueline Carrier

Heels. Not just any heels, but //high// heels. Stilettos.

Some women, like me, wear the low kitten heel to look professional and not deal with the pain of wearing //high// heels. Jen on the other hand not only wore the stilettos, but wore them walking a mile a minute, up an extremely steep hill (I witnessed this feat with my very own eyes), and never broke a sweat! In fact, this was my first “encounter” with Jen before I ever knew who she was; and she made quite the impression on me as she strode up that mountain of a hill in stilettos!

However, what I remember more fondly was meeting Jen as my advisor at the University of South Carolina. At the time I was 23, scared, nervous, and pregnant. I didn’t know what I was going to do or how I was going to finish college. As I timidly walked into Jen’s office my nervousness only intensified as I realized I was going to have to utter the words that I had been dreading. After I told her about my situation her bright smile lit up the room, and she seemed genuinely excited for me instead of reacting with a disapproving attitude. We spent the next hour in her office as she helped me figure out what my options were, and she even typed them up for me. As I left her office that day I felt more confident than when I entered and really felt like I could still graduate, baby and all.

Working with Jen at USC and again during the Santee Wateree Writing Project this past June made an impact on me as an educator. I want to excite my students with my passion just as she had inspired me with her enthusiasm and zest for learning. You couldn’t help but get excited about whatever it was Jen was teaching about.

I want to thank you so much for sharing Jennifer Lee Wilson with the rest of the world. She has not only impacted my life for the better, but she has made me a better teacher as well. Please know that her legacy will live on through not only myself, but through all of the other teachers and students that she has impacted with her grace, compassion, and knowledge. -Kimberly Lawson