LYNN — Lynn Classical High School students used their voices to celebrate the power of storytelling at a bilingual “Story Slam” on Oct. 10.
Fifteen students shared 2-minute, moving personal narratives revolving around their experiences with community, identity, and culture.
Isatu Jallo spoke about reuniting with her mother in France after eight years and celebrating all her missed birthdays at once.
“It felt like I never left her. It felt like I had lived with her all my life. My birthday is in August now, not November,” Isatu said.
Audly Jean opened up about her first Christmas in the U.S after emigrating from the Dominican Republic.
“When I first came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic, I was scared. I thought it would be like the movie ‘Mean Girls.’ But after my first December here, my mom gave us a Christmas tree and gifts. You should celebrate the way you want. The small things make a huge difference,” Audly said.
Kayla Rodriguez shared a vulnerable experience of her mother making her favorite comfort food for her during a period of isolation.
“I realized that, at the end of the day, my mom will always be there to hear me out,” Kayla said.
In the days leading up to the event, these students worked closely with Nestor Gomez, a Guatemalan storyteller based in Chicago, and Tony Toledo, former Lynn Classical educator and professional storyteller. Toledo organized the event and helped secure funding from Lynn Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
“Through telling his own story of immigration, Nestor Gomez inspired students from Latin America to tell their own stories of coming to the United States. Guatemalan students even wore their Guatemalan shirts, literally wearing their pride on their sleeve just for Nestor. For the first time in their lives, these students’ voices were heard loud and proud. Nestor Gomez works storytelling magic!” Toledo said.
Toledo added, “Nestor helped students learn to control their stage fright. That alone will be a useful skill they can use for the rest of their lives. Nestor gave students courage to step up to that microphone, which they had never used before, (and) stand proudly on that stage and tell their story in front of 500 classmates. Amazingly great job by every student storyteller.”
Gomez described how the students’ dedication further inspired him as a storyteller.
“The anti-immigration climate that we are living through had diminished my faith in the future of democracy in our country. However, seeing and hearing the students of Lynn Classical High School proudly sharing their stories in front of a packed auditorium has renewed my faith that one day this country will become the kind of country it has dreamed itself to be: a place for life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness for all,” Gomez said.
Lynn Classical Principal Amy Dunn expressed her gratitude for for the mentors, staff, and students who made the event possible.
“A big thank you to everyone who worked to make the two-day story slam event such a great experience for our community. It was so inspiring seeing students new to our community being brave and telling their stories,” Dunn said.
