Cork instils 'Write' stuff!
Mr. Eric Cork visited the Whitney Institute Middle School for a recent two-day writing workshop with primary and middle schools from around the Island. The workshop was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, and the students received a lot of new insight into the art of writing well.
Before Mr. Cork left the campus on Friday, May 9, Whitney students Akeila Richardson and Elizabeth Blankendal sat down for a chat with the travelling scribe and devoted father.
What inspires you?
I love children and love to write. I have always been hyper. When I put those things together, it's like I get paid to be hyper. Also I get to travel all around the world.
Where did you do your formal training?
I attended Madison High. I worked at the University of Houston teaching in the classroom. Then I did guest speaking at Harvard and Dival Universities.
Do you have a favourite story about teaching this course that you'd like to share?
I remember I had a workshop with M1s. Two years later I was visiting another campus unexpectedly; then I saw a couple of the students at that campus. One of them pulled out the book from my workshop and told me that he used it everyday. It made me feel good that my book helped them after all these years.
Where have you travelled to teach this course?
I've taught it in 43 states in the US, Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada, the Bahamas, England, and Bermuda.
Do you have a favourite destination? Why?
Bermuda. It's like paradise. The students are energetic, respectful and eager to learn. I also like Detroit, Houston, Texas, California, and many more.
How long have you been doing these workshops?
About 20 years. Actually, I have done 12 years travelling doing the workshops, and seven years in the classroom.
When did you decide that you wanted to teach children how to write?
Twenty-four years ago. My daughter was in Second grade. I was working at a law firm at the time and also working with children. Then I was faced with a decision: either I quit my job, or stop working with children. I decided to quit my job at the law firm.
Do you have favourite authors and/or artists?
Rachelle Ferrell, Take 6, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hemmings, Kirk Franklin, T.D. Jakes, Thomas Malonzon, Maya Angelou, Michael Dyson, Cornell West and Barbra Sizemore.
Whose writing excites you personally?
Michael Dyson, T.D. Jakes, and my own; I am my favourite writer.
How did you make it to Whitney Institute?
Dr. Freddie Evans attended a couple of my workshops. Then I met him in Nashville, Tennessee. He called my office and arranged for me to come. So Dr. Evans along with the Whitney trustees and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity bought me here.
I noticed that you have a good voice. Why didn't you become a performing artist instead?
I sang with a gospel group called Seraphim. Then when dollar signs started flashing the group broke up.
Have you ever recorded?
Yes. I recorded 8 track tapes. I also did a CD called 'The Angel' with Seraphim.
Do you like working with children?
Yes. I love them.
Who is your role model?
Thomas Malonzon, Acer Hillard, Joseph Williams III, Barber Sizemore, Gregory Pierce, Charles Morrow, Dr. Finney and Dr. Witfield.
Do you have a favourite quote?
Yes, the first one is 'If your students aren't learning the way you teach, you need to teach the way they learn.'
The second one is 'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others' by Nelson Mandela."