English Teacher Dennis Danziger created an anthology of his students’ work with the collaboration of PEN in the Classroom. The small booklet, titled “Thinking Out Loud,” contains stories written by senior students from his class and Ms. Ruth Greene’s class.

Mr. Danziger made all his students write a first-person essay as an assignment. Students participated in one class session per week for 12 weeks with the help from Mr. Danziger’s wife, Amy Friedman, a teacher, writer and editor who was the PEN instructor for the students at Venice.

The project started in October and ended in January. Mr. Danziger then sent the stories to PEN where they were published in February. The students were able to write about the topic of their choice and use any words, ideas or topics. The topics in the anthology range from love to family.

“Two-thirds of my class had their work published in the book,” said Danziger.

Senior Rodolfo Alavez wrote the story “Accomplish Your Dream,” about his experience moving from Oaxaca, Mexico to the U.S. at the age of nine. His story narrates his life in Mexico and also how he adapted to his new life in the U.S.   

“I feel pretty proud of myself because even though obstacles are present, one should never give up!” said Alavez.