The Inspiration Project - Spring 2024 Volume 14 - Dignity

Aug 25, 2026

Spring 2024 Volume 14 of The Inspiration Project presents creative writing produced through weekly volunteer collaboration between University of Rochester students and adults from CP Rochester, supporting individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. Participants build connections through one-on-one conversations, transforming shared experiences, humor, care, and welcome into an anthology of stories, selections, and poems. The volume emphasizes dignity, community, and the act of writing as mutual care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages58

Reading Time1 h 29 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

She's the Boss of the House

Latrice and the Moodring

Adventure!

Animated Menus

Mystery Stitch

Pat's Birthday Extravaganza

Selections

A Good Attitude

Untitled

Nikki the Bus Driver

Two Boys' Lives

dignity: creative expressions fromthe inspiration project Spring 2024 Volume 14 # about: The Inspiration Project is a volunteer collaboration between the University of Rochesterand CP Rochester,a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with physical anddevelopmental disabilities.During the spring of 2024,students from the University ofRochester met weekly with writers from CP Rochester.Through extensive one-on-oneconversations,the UR students and CP Rochester adults have produced the creativeworks assembled here. acknowledgments: This project was made possible by the hard work and generous support of manypeople: The participants and staff at CP Rochester,especially Kristi Powers and ErinGreenfield,the students at the University of Rochester,Joanna Scott(Professor ofEnglish,University of Rochester),Claire Corbeaux(Department of English,University ofRochester),Zoe Miles (Department of Modern Languages and Cultures,University ofRochester)Justina McCarty,Kathy Kingsley (Department of English,University ofRochester),Glenn Cerosaletti(Director,Rochester Center for Community Leadership,University of Rochester),Deborah Rossen-Knill(Director,Writing,Speaking,andArgument Program,University of Rochester),Jeffrey Runner(Dean of the College,University of Rochester),Sarah Mangelsdorf (President of the University of Rochester),Katherine Mannheimer(Chair,Department of English,University of Rochester). table of contents: Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 She's the Boss of the House- Chris Thorton………………………………………………………………………5 Latrice and the Moodring - Latrice Person…………………………………………………………………………9 Adventure!- Shane Murray………………………………………………………………………………………………16 Animated Menus - Russell Hill……………………………………………………………………………………………………………20 Mystery Stitch - Sam Jansen…………………………………………………………………………………………………………26 Pat's Birthday Extravaganza - Pat Hurley…………………………………………………………………………37 Selections - Ruth Emens …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………41 A Good Attitude- Joe Hill…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………44 Untitled - Geraldine Copeland…………………………………………………………………………………………………………47 Nikki the Bus Driver- Jeff Yarmel…………………………………………………………………………………………………51 Two Boys'Lives-Sean Connelly……………………………………………………………………………………………53 dignity 3 # Introduction While the air coming in through the doors of Rush Rhees library was usually freezing cold,itwas impossible not to feel the incredible warmth(like the dragon's breath and lava found inRussell and Shane's stories,respectively)that each participant of the Inspiration Projectradiated as they'd arrive,ready to meet with friends-old and new-and start sharing and writing.As we held the door open,it was impossible not to smile,impossible not to feel welcome,inturn,as we welcomed all the folks from CP Rochester and students from the University ofRochester.There'd be a flurry of hellos,high fives,and hugs,then,everyone would set to work.Even though we met-from February to April-at seven o'clock (and,here,we're being as preciseabout the time as Sean is in his story,"Two Boys'Lives"),after long days of work or school,everyone,even as they shared some of their days'frustrations,had so much energy.Maybe wewere all moved by the persistent,staccato rhythm of typing.Or by the laughter that wouldpunctuate and soar over our conversations-enveloping the room,and everyone in it,in a kindof spell.Yes,with a magic not unlike that which Sam describes in"Mystery Stitch,"we weremotivated to continue in our collaborations.Whispers,exclamations,nods,the waving or theclasping of hands,carried so much meaning,so much care.Each of these actions,each one ofour meetings,presented us with the possibility to connect.And,every Thursday night for thepast 10 weeks,we have connected,and looked forward to the next Thursday for anotherchance to connect once again.We hope this anthology can be a testament to not only theconnections made through the Inspiration P

FAQs

What is The Inspiration Project and who participates in it?

The Inspiration Project is a volunteer collaboration between the University of Rochester and CP Rochester. University of Rochester students meet weekly with CP Rochester adults to create works together.

How were the creative pieces in this anthology produced?

Students and CP Rochester adults met regularly during Spring 2024 and used extensive one-on-one conversations to develop and share creative expressions that were compiled into the anthology.

What is the main theme emphasized in the introduction?

The introduction highlights warmth, welcome, connection, and dignity, presenting writing as an act of care for oneself, others, and the world.

Aug 25, 2026

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