Since its conception in 1983, the Warren Baird Symposium program, which invites authors, poets, and playwrights to campus, has been regarded as one of the highlight of the KO experience, and this year’s author, novelist Tayari Jones, left an indelible mark on the community with her humorous and refreshing perspective.
On Friday, Jan. 6, Ms. Jones made her long-awaited arrival on campus. The Upper School gathered to hear her remarks at 10:15 a.m. Prior to the assembly, Ms. Jones already had an action-packed trip. She attended a dinner with Symposium students on Thursday night and taught a Master Class for those same Symposium students on Friday morning.
The assembly began with remarks from English Department Chair Catherine Schieffelin, who spoke of the significance of the program and methods that Symposium teacher William Martino utilized to teach his students throughout the semester.
Symposium seniors Alyssa Temkin and Eve Repp further introduced Ms. Jones. They discussed her educational background and highlighted her successful career. Their evident passion and affection for Ms. Jones added to the anticipation of her speech.
Right away, Ms. Jones captivated students with humorous stories and her words of wisdom. She told students how she developed a love of reading from a young age and mentioned the support she received from her parents. She spoke about her education at Spelman College, where she developed her love of writing.
Ms. Jones shared how she wanted to take a creative writing class when she arrived at Spelman; however, it was only open to upperclassmen. As a 16-year-old freshman, it would only be possible for Ms. Jones to take the course with permission from her advisor. Determined, she forged her advisor’s name onto the form that permitted her entry into the course. After her advisor eventually learned about this act of “civil disobedience,” she told Ms. Jones, “I will say that when a young person wants to learn something so badly that she is willing to commit fraud, you must want very badly to learn indeed.”
Ms. Jones finished her impactful speech with more anecdotes of how her career came to be successful and finished by reading an excerpt from her novel, “Silver Sparrow.” She received a standing ovation from the crowd and answered students’ questions with respect and thoughtfulness.
Ms. Jones enjoyed lunch with underclassmen who had expressed interest in her work, and she spoke to faculty later that day. For many students, her words had a remarkable impact. Alyssa immensely enjoyed her experience as a part of the Symposium class and loved meeting Ms. Jones. “Reading all of Tayari Jones’ work has been incredible,” she said. “Not only have I learned so much about Jones; I have also learned so many lessons from her books that I don’t think I could’ve gotten anywhere else. She is truly an amazing and inspiring author.”
Furthermore, Mr. Martino was pleased with how Ms. Jones interacted with the community and her infectious personality. “Tayari Jones’ visit to KO was life-affirming,” he said. “Her sense of humor, her generosity of time, and her warm spirit are unmatched. From middle school students to high school teachers, Ms. Jones connected with her audience in ways that far exceeded my expectations.”
Following Ms. Smith’s remarks to the Upper School, she later addressed the Middle School and offered an optional Q&A meeting. Throughout her visit, no matter the audience’s age, she could give a speech catered to their perspective.
Ms. Scheiffelin was especially pleased with Ms. Jones’ ability to speak to various audiences and her support of the faculty members. “There was an evening event where teachers got together, and she gave a talk and a reading,” she explained. “She said to this community of adults, ‘I want you to know that your story matters and you have a story to tell.’ It’s one thing to say that to young adults who have their whole lives in front of them, and I think it’s even more amazing to say it to middle aged or older people who are settled in their career paths. She was just so inspiring.”
At this evening’s event with the teachers, Ms. Jones shared humorous anecdotes and spoke of her gratitude for Mr. Martino and the students of KO. She was pleased with the inquisitive nature of students and spoke highly of the education at KO. “One thing I have noticed about the children today is they had an expectation of being listened to, they had an expectation of being taken seriously, they had confidence, they asked questions, they listened and they gave thoughtful answers when I threw questions back towards them,” Ms. Jones said. “These are good kids who are very well-taught, and the time, care, and attention you have poured into them matters, and it pays off.”
Ms. Jones’ visit taught students and faculty members the importance of sharing their stories. Her down-to-earth nature and love of learning captivated her audience, making her one of the most-liked Symposium authors. Her words and inspirational visit will be remembered for years to come.
