A walking holiday renews love of writing for seventh grade teacher

The Helen Meador Summer International Fellowship funded a summer of professional development in English for Seventh Grade English Teacher Syd Lindblom, who returned to the classroom infusing students with a passion for writing.
By Kalen Russell, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Inspired by James Herriot’s autobiographical memoirs, “All Creatures Great and Small,” Seventh Grade English Teacher Syd Lindblom took to The Herriot Way, a 52-mile loop through Yorkshire Dales, England for a walking holiday that allowed her to experience the environments and efforts that shaped the writing practices of some of her favorite authors.

Lindblom’s holiday took her through the Peak District, a rural district where Jane Austen lived while writing “Pride and Prejudice;” Castle Bolton, where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner; and Thirsk, where James Herriot’s practice was located. She was joined in Haworth, a village in Brontë County where the Brontë sisters lived, by her mother.

“My mom introduced me to these stories and sparked my love of literature,” said Lindblom, adding she was glad that her mother was there to experience this part of the trip with her.

In Haworth, the Brontë sisters’ childhood home is now The Brontë Parsonage Museum, which houses the creative artifacts of the three sisters. Lindblom learned as kids the sisters wrote in tiny books that were 1 square inch. These books, made of a variety of repurposed paper, contained stories that explained the imagined world of their toy soldiers. These books, once an extension of childhood play, exemplify what Lindblom wants for her students: that they find joy in the process of writing, regardless of whether the writing is public-facing or perfect.

“The merit awarded because it is your own is more important than what others think about it. My biggest takeaway as a teacher is when students turn in work not caring for the grade they get, but the pride they have because the work is theirs,” said Lindblom.

“I stopped at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Saltaire, and I thought about the relationship between agrarian and industry, both need the other for thriving civilization,” said Lindblom. 

Established during the Industrial Revolution, Saltaire was designed as a model community built around a mill. Contrary to many business owners of the time, founderJames Salt saw the connection between work, recreation, and adequate resources and wanted to provide a better quality of life for employees. Though Saltaire took 20 years to build, the mill operated for 100 years, and the Saltaire village still stands today.

Lindblom ended her trip in London, where she spent time with family members. Though they live an ocean apart, their love of reading allowed them to connect. At the British Library, she saw special artifacts on display, including original writing from Jane Austin, a copy of “The Bad Hamlet,” and an American 250 exhibit that told the story of America’s founding that centered the experiences of African Americans and Indigenous communities.

“I thought about the Anthropic project, and felt sad. There is so much that is gained by having stuff on paper,” said Lindblom.

From this experience, Lindblom will bring back the habit of slowing down, building solitude, and Herriot’s practice of exalting the ordinary.

“I was challenged to be comfortable being alone in larger settings,” she said, adding that she is proud of growing in this area and the effort it took to meet the challenge.

“I encourage my students to anticipate the feelings afterward rather than the feeling of initiating something difficult. I’ve begun writing, and there was never a time afterward when I regretted the time I had spent. I appreciate the time it took myself to get there, especially if it took effort,” said Lindbloom.

There is joy to be found in the process, and in the effort exerted toward a goal. Lindblom concluded, “I want my students to embrace “writing for writing’s sake, not just what is produced.”

Established in honor of longtime educator and USN parent Helen Meador, the Meador Summer International Travel Fellowship funds travel and professional development projects that enrich teaching, foster global perspectives, and benefit the full school community. What began as a single travel award has now grown to support two faculty members each year, drawing applications from across all divisions of the school.

Previous Helen Meador Summer International Travel Fellowship recipients include:
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