Laquan Julien

The man, the myth, the legend, once started as a dream in a child's head. Since the third grade I have been aware of my ability to express myself in writing. My calling or my new found attribute like many things in my life today, was not something I ran towards but instead ran from, how I saw myself as a child effected the growth of my talents. I did not consider myself a shy child but very fragile none the less. After dealing with childhood bullies, I found myself trying to hide rather than be seen. Not too long after my mind was made up that my talents would be nothing more than a joke to my peers. It wasn't until the 6th grade where I met a Janitor by the name of Al Pauline. Mr. Pauline was very intimidating man to us tiny kids and he kept us all in order. So well in fact the Principle of the school suggested he should teach seeing it that he already had a teaching degree. Soon after the janitor was my teacher. Yes, you heard right my janitor became my teacher. Not only did he become my teacher but he became my inspiration into life. Mr. Pauline started a poetry program in my elementary school. This poetry program as he explained to me was designed for me specifically. Normal curiosity I did not understand why. Mr. Pauline told me that the world needed to hear my words. Mr. Pauline created the platform for me to be a writer. The program allowed me to build confidence and finally friendship. For once I have finally been acknowledged for something great. So here I am, nice to meet you.