The U3A Experience

New students considering joining U3A sometimes wonder what the classes are like, what the people are like and, perhaps, how they would fit in. Once they take the first step and join a class it can be a relief to know that the classes are not only informative, but are enjoyable and supportive as well.

Chris Behl, who has just completed a year with the Creative Writing Class has encapsulated the U3A experience in her final contribution for the year. Although it is specifically about Creative Writing, the sentiments expressed apply equally to the our other courses.

Papers are shuffled, voices murmur,
a sudden burst of laughter,
seats are chosen, bags are stowed.
We gather once again, carefully
placing our precious piece
in front of us.

Smiles wander around the table
as we quieten now,
the gathering complete.
The first to share is tentative,
muttering a quick apology for the work
before beginning.

Confidence grows as the group
embraces what is written, nerves recede.
The end is reached. A quick silence
falls as we ponder thoughts and
feelings read, ideas expounded,
new forms tried.

Each one in turn is thus exposed.
To write is to reveal hidden fragments of
our inner selves, to see them spill
from the page, though cloaked in
different guises, for all to know
and criticise.

So the group encircles gently,
offering praise, ideas and comments,
until the writer, buoyed by this
encouragement, nods and knows this
lonely occupation develops
from the sharing.

Morning scurries past, concepts are learnt
or rediscovered, next week's task
is put and papers packed away.
Figures hurry from the building,
ideas already swirling through
The Writing Group.