NK : It was incredible . It was a very emotional and moving experience .
DW : SHANTIH Journal is a literary journal , so naturally I ’ m going to ask literary questions : there were a number of times over the course of late April and early May in which you had the chance to showcase your speaking skills , and as an orator , you were very effective . What is your creative process as an orator ?
NK : I typically think of a few main points or phrases that I would like to touch upon . Other than that , I just speak from the heart . That has proven to be what I feel is the best practice for me personally .
DW : There were so many moments of pure poetry over the course of that week . For you , was there a particularly poetic moment ?
NK : The march was incredible . That would probably be the most poetic moment in my mind .
DW : As a creative writing teacher , I see my students ’ creativity every day . But it ’ s always there , even in other classes I ’ ve taught over the year , that spark of creative energy . How do you see the role of creative energy in teaching ?
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NK : It ’ s in every aspect . It is necessary to any teacher and must be ever present .
DW : How do shortfalls in education spending affect the creative potential of our students ?
NK : They eliminate so many opportunities . It is hard to summarize succinctly , but the lack of funding impacts so many possibilities .
DW : Do you feel that educators ’ efforts ultimately won the day ?
NK : Certainly . We moved the legislature from 65 million to 406 million invested in education and our movement is stronger than ever and continuing to move forward .
DW : What were you most proud of with regard to what you were able to accomplish ?
NK : The way that educators were empowered and stood up . That is the most moving accomplishment of this experience . So many educators have now been empowered .
DW : Where does the movement go from here ?