By Kathy L. Collins
If you have ever thought about creating a written legacy for your children and grandchildren, but you do not know how to do it or where to begin, then consider taking Joan Shalleck’s “Write Your Life Story” class offered at Hillsborough Community College in Ruskin. The class is offered every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes begin on Friday, September 27 and continue for eight weeks until November 22.
“I have always felt that all of us have a unique story to tell. I will show you how to write about your childhood, education, careers, loves, triumphs and losses in eight morning sessions,” said Shalleck.
No prior writing experience is necessary, but students do need to have access to a computer. “This is my ninth year helping folks to capture their memories on paper. Hundreds of people who’ve never written anything more complex that a letter to their utility company have learned how to preserve their past this way,” explained Shalleck.
The classes are kept small, so advance registration is a must. Each student is asked to sign a pledge of confidentiality. “I do this so everyone feels comfortable as they may reveal sensitive personal information as we read our stories aloud each week.” said Shalleck.
Shalleck, who has a degree in Elementary Education from Pace University in New York, has been teaching this class for nine years. She started at USF’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and for the past several years has been teaching the class at Hillsborough Community College/SouthShore in their Lifelong Learning Division.
HCC Continuing Education offers a variety of classes in its Lifelong Learning Division. If you are interested in this class and others, please visit http://tinyurl.com/27b4bxg or call 259-6010. The HCC Ruskin campus is located at 5512 24th St. North East in Ruskin.
