Also the UDL video blended well with your opening about food, since she explained using UDL at a dinner party.

Your approach is clever and easy to read, yet addresses the tough issues. The students love the visuals, keeps their attention. Nice job!

As our time together comes to a close, I just want to say thank you—from the bottom of my heart. Being part of the Central Texas Writing Project has been one of the most meaningful and inspiring experiences of my career.

Over the past month, I’ve grown not just as a writer and educator, but as a person. You all created a space where voices were heard, stories mattered, and vulnerability was welcomed. I’m leaving with new friendships, fresh ideas, and a renewed love for writing.

Thank you for your wisdom, encouragement, laughter, and honesty. Thank you for sharing your writing, your heart, and your time. I will carry this experience with me always.

This isn’t goodbye—just a “see you soon.”

#CTWP #ForeverGrateful #WritingCommunity #TeachersWhoWrite

This has been one of the most personally and professionally enriching experiences I could imagine having. Thank you to Dr. Stephens, BobCat, Diane, and all of my classmates. Building connections with you all through writing and sharing will stay with me forever. I hope to not lose any of you, but realistically we will not all stay in touch. I hope you all find what you seek. I wish you only the best.

Till next time at 11:30,

Holly

As I sit with everything this summer has meant to me, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. I truly believe that God placed me here, at this exact time, in this exact space, with all of you, for a reason. What we shared together was more than just a writing institute. It was a journey of growth, healing, reflection, and transformation.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve poured so much of ourselves onto the page and into one another. We created a space where vulnerability wasn’t just welcomed; it was honored. We supported one another through tough topics, celebrated bold breakthroughs, and held space for the quiet in-betweens. It’s rare to find a group of people so genuine, so talented, and so deeply committed to the craft of writing and the art of teaching.

Each of you brought something so special to this experience. Your words inspired me. Your feedback challenged me. Your stories stayed with me long after the day ended. I leave this summer not only with stronger writing tools, but with a stronger sense of self.

Thank you for helping me grow, not just as a writer, but as a leader, a mentor, a teacher, and a friend. Thank you for the late laughs, the deep conversations, the quiet moments of reflection, and the loud moments of joy. I will carry these memories and this community with me as I move forward.

This experience has left an imprint on my heart, and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my summer any other way.

May God continue to bless each of you as you return to your schools, your classrooms, your writing desks, and your lives. And may the seeds we planted this summer continue to bloom in ways we never imagined.

With love, light, and deep gratitude,
💛 Dani

Thank you for inviting me to view your writing! You shared a piece of yourself in each of your projects, and it shows. Thank you for trusting me with it. As a ELAR teacher and writer for fun when I have the time and creativity, I know how vulnerable a person must be to put their writing on display. I believe the time you spent in this class will only benefit your students this coming year. I look forward to partnering together to get our students writing more - with both academic and creative lenses.

Thank you!

• Kimberly

We go so far back, but you still look like as beautiful as you did in our Crockett days! Best of luck in your new assignment.

Glenna

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this! You are my superstar!

Ashley

Thank you for inviting me into your world for a short time. I am so proud of you and look forward to hearing progress you make on any of these projects .

You are a truly talented woman!

Love, mom

Much love to you all and can't wait to see your names in print or on presentation rosters and be able to say "HEY! I know that person!"

~ Jennifer Whisner

I am very proud of you for pursuing higher education, just like your father. I guarantee that your graduate degree will open many doors for you.

Congratulations to the professor for putting together such a great seminar and to all the talented students who participated.

Thanks for sharing these very talented stories from such a talented group of educators. It is very impressive and inspiring. I especially loved your work, Josephine!

I was very touched reading the stories from my fellow Co-teacher Josie Young. The Fishing Story about your dad was so inspiring. I always knew you took your dad to be your advocate and your hero, but this tender story explains so much more! I see your relationship with your beautiful daughter as precious as your relationship was with your dad. You are a very gifted teacher and writer. Even though I sit with 26 years experience in teaching, I learned so much from you about enhancing student relationships and some top notch teaching strategies that I was excited to implement. You are a treasure, and a gift to education my dear friend. I am so proud of you and inspired by you!

Love ya! Ann-Marie