I embarked on an intentional journey to create Da’Wright Storytelling Circles—a space designed to amplify diverse voices, foster empathy, and cultivate shared understanding among future education leaders. Rooted in the belief that storytelling is a transformative tool, this project sought to provide a platform where members of the HGSE community could share the challenges, triumphs, and defining moments that led them to Harvard. The vision was clear: by listening deeply and connecting through shared stories, we could collectively strengthen our resolve to protect the field of education and inspire others to care about its future.
The journey began with curiosity and research. I explored narrative frameworks and empathy-building practices, drawing inspiration from community storytelling models such as Junebug Productions’ story circles. My goal was to create an intentional and inclusive space where participants felt safe sharing their truths. The process involved crafting thoughtful guiding questions, such as:
- What life experiences shaped your decision to pursue a career in education?
- What challenges have defined your journey to this point?
- How do you hope to impact the field of education moving forward?
These questions served as invitations for participants to reflect deeply on their paths, creating a foundation for vulnerable and authentic dialogue. To ensure that the space felt supportive, I established core principles of confidentiality, active listening, and mutual respect.
Engaging with potential participants in the HGSE community was a critical first step. Through one-on-one conversations, I sought to understand their perspectives and ensure the structure resonated with the diverse experiences within our cohort. The response was overwhelmingly positive—many expressed a longing for spaces where we could process our personal journeys and explore how they connect to our shared aspirations for the field.
When the first circle convened, the session exceeded expectations, running for three hours as participants shared their stories. What emerged was a tapestry of common themes: resilience, a shared commitment to making education more inclusive, and the personal challenges we all face in navigating a complex field. One of the most powerful realizations was the sense of unity within our diverse experiences—a reminder that while our individual paths to education differ, our purpose often converges.
This initial session laid a foundation for the project’s next steps. Moving forward, I plan to iterate on the design of Da’Wright Storytelling Circles, incorporating participant feedback to make future sessions even more impactful. I also aim to expand the circles, creating more opportunities for HGSE students to engage with this work. Beyond in-person sessions, I am capturing these stories as part of a short documentary—a visual representation of how shared narratives can foster empathy, strengthen connections, and inspire action.
This archival entry marks the beginning of an ongoing journey. Da’Wright Storytelling Circles is not just a project; it is a movement toward reclaiming storytelling as a tool for transformation in education. As we face challenges that threaten the inclusivity and equity of the field, we must amplify voices, share stories, and remind ourselves—and others—why education matters. Through this work, I hope to ignite a deeper sense of care and urgency in protecting and advancing the field of education.
To those reading this entry, I extend an invitation to join this journey: to listen, to share, and to continue growing together as education leaders committed to empathy and change.
