The helmet mask and our writing community

The ceremonial helmet from Sierra Leone reminds me of the trust we put in each other as members of our writing community. 

Our guide, Tanya, said this hand-carved artifact is likely from the Mendes people and was used in a coming-of-age ceremony for adolescent girls. I didn't notice it at first, but Tanya pointed out that this helmet completely covers the wearer's head. In our examination as a class -- which we did with each of us talking about what we saw as we faced different angles of the helmet -- we realized there are only small slits through which the wearer can see only what is directly in front of her. She must rely on those around her to guide her as she moves through the ceremony. She must trust that they will keep her from harm. They help her find her way as they perform the ceremony that makes her a part of their tribe.

We may not have a formal ceremony for people to become members of our class; but there are protocols observed in registering for college, and some of you have written about your transition to college. We've also spent the last few weeks getting to know each other, sharing our ideas about Ishmael Beah's book, and exploring our writing together. Like the girl in the helmet, we are seeing more than what is right in front of us, because we can trust those around us in the classroom.

Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to wear a mask or do a team-building "trust walk." But I do like the fact that we have a space where we can explore our writing and reading together.