Seniors

Beth Hermes encourages students to stretch their imagination.

Beth Hermes has the rare ability to make you feel as if you can do anything. It probably has everything to do with the fact she is a confident woman herself, and that she has the heart of a writer. She is quick to preach “no fear” and encourage freedom of expression to her writing students.

“Everybody has a story. They just need to be given the opportunity to tell it,” she said.

Beth is a new instructor at the College of Continuing and Professional Education, but is seasoned when it comes to teaching. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is excited to welcome Beth this February.

Beth has been a professional writer for newspapers and magazines since 1989. Her writing expertise has helped numerous corporate and individual clients to create compelling bios, Web copy, collateral materials and ad campaigns. She said the OLLI writing classes are not critiquing classes, but are designed to inspire and develop the talent of the students.

“These classes are very safe. There is no criticism. This is the place to get rid of criticism,” she said.

Beth said that most people come to her class worried what other people think and trying to live up to some unfounded expectation. “They come into the class writing what they think you want them to write,” she said. In the first class she goes about trying to undo the fears that have been piled on them over the years. “I want them to experience the joy of being a child again.

The joy of writing what’s on the inside and not worrying about what somebody else thinks,” she said, adding, “I want them to have that little glow that kids have when they are excited about something.”

Getting everyone warmed up is accomplished through special activities, humor, writing prompts, discussions and sharing. Beth said she always encourages her students to read something they would not normally read and try writing something they would not normally write. “You have to stretch outside of what you know,” she said.

Classes include plenty of time for writing and talking about what things they can do outside the classroom to help them develop their writing skills. Observation skills rate high with Beth. She challenges students to look closer at the world around them, which ultimately provides endless inspiration for stories and characters. Stopping to look around at a stoplight or listening to conversations in a public place can get the creativity going.

OLLI is excited to welcome Beth as part of our team. She resides in Cherokee County with her husband, Craig, daughter, Abby, and son, Ben.

Memoir Writing will take place at KSU Center from February 1st through March 21st, eight consecutive Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $119. Space is limited so call now to reserve your spot!

(Source: OLLI)