A Farewell from Celine Kuhn
Dear Telling Room Friend,
I purchased a lime tree in early March 2020. It was small and meek and I was dubious about whether it would produce any limes. When the pandemic forced us to work at home, I plunked it down right next to my computer in my dining room. I didn’t realize that it would become a constant companion each day for over thirteen months.
Day in and day out that little lime tree bore witness to all things Telling Room.
It was a year of reimagining. Programs. Meetings. Readings. Publications. Fundraising. Partnerships.
A friend stopped by the other day while I was working and walked up to the lime tree which, by the way, now boasts fragrant flowers and a dozen juicy limes. She inspected it and remarked that she had never seen such a tree bear fruit like this before!
She started asking me questions about how much I watered it and how much sunlight it gets. But before I could answer any of these questions she said, “I know why it bears so much fruit! It has been listening to The Telling Room's story for months.”
When she said this, I teared up and began reflecting on my time at The Telling Room.
My own journey at The Telling Room allowed me to grow as a leader and as a human. Every student, every staff member, every board member has taught me something valuable that has helped the organization bear bountiful fruit. When we connect with others through writing, telling, and hearing stories, we flourish, learning to know ourselves and each other more deeply.
I want to take a moment to thank you, dear students, staff, board, and community, for believing in the power of youth voices. They are the building blocks of growth, curiosity, and courage. The foundation of meaningful change.
Though my tenure as Executive Director is coming to an end, my passion and commitment to supporting youth in the writing and telling of their stories remains.
I look forward to continuing to support The Telling Room’s mission and I ask all of you to please consider supporting The Telling Room in whatever way you can. Volunteering, donating, and purchasing and reading our students’ books are great ways to keep The Telling Room growing and thriving like that lime tree.
The roots of The Telling Room will always be wrapped around my heart, no matter how far away I am from its blooming branches.
With joy and gratitude,
Celine Kuhn
she/her/hers
