On July 12, BYTE helped present a live taping of the podcast “Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids” at the Old Fire Hall. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the show, GRTTaK is an onstage storytelling event where brave readers step up in front of a live audience to read things that (you guessed it!) they wrote as kids.
On this particular night, 100 guests came out during “Rainpocalypse” and packed into the humid fire hall to hear eighteen brave readers share stories from their childhoods. One reader shared a rant about his musical theatre class in high school (“it’s always dance, dance, dance!”) and another brave reader shared about her “first hormonal emotions.” Our very own Pavlina Sudrich shared some journals about what it was like to be the youngest kid at “TEST camp.” Many more readers shared stories about their first loves, their sibling rivalry and even their imaginary brother.
Amidst all the funny, weird and wonderful storytelling there were a handful of readers who bravely shared some deeply personal and moving diary entries. These journal entries were at once heartbreaking and empowering. These brave readers gave us all an important reminder that while a lot of us look back on our youth and laugh at the embarrassing and awkward things we have done, many among us are survivors of abuse, trauma and other really difficult times.
By sharing their stories of resiliency and strength these readers have given us a reminder why working with youth is so needed. Most importantly, these readers have also shown other survivors and youth that it is ok to talk about their lived experiences. From all of us at BYTE, we would like to say a big thank you for your bravery and for sharing with us.