Storytelling with You

introduction

Let's begin with a story

When I was twelve years old, I ran for senator.

I was in junior high school, and this was my first time running for an elected position in student government. I recall spending many hours perfecting my campaign signs. I'd beg my mother to take me to our small town's general store, where I would pick out the perfect combination of colorful poster boards and paint. I was discerning about which friends I enlisted to help—was Lisa's penmanship up to par? Leading up to the election, my bedroom floor was littered with materials: rulers to ensure straight lines, stencils for precise lettering, and supplies for the button maker. A large piece of butcher paper taped to the wall registered contending ideas for my campaign slogan. Looking back, choosing “Be picky, vote for Nicky” was not one of my prouder moments.

I also spent a good amount of time on my speech. Introducing freshly baked cookies into the student store, having one school dance al fresco on the football field (instead of the malodorous gym), and building volunteer time into the school calendar were top priorities. I typed furiously on my family's electric typewriter, perfecting one line at a time as it appeared in the small display before moving onto the next. It was a great speech.

When election day came, I clearly remember the nerve‐wracking walk across the gym to the podium to deliver those carefully crafted promises. Two hundred familiar faces looked at me expectantly from the bleachers. ...