Allison Villani

Villani's "My Life" program will link 15-25 ESL (English as a Second Language) students' life stories with writers, documentarians and book artists to give their experiences a voice. The student population at Portland High School is diverse, with students speaking 57 different languages and hailing from 32 different countries. With diversity comes the need for understanding and acceptance. This project will help break down barriers between students so they can begin to learn and share with each other. Villani's project has three elements composed of five in-class writing workshops, book-making classes and public readings. Over the course of learning and sharing more about themselves, students will learn how written words work with art to tell a story as well as learn what career options are available in writing and illustration. Their final presentations will be shared at Reiche Elementary School and the Portland Library, giving students a chance to inspire and encourage younger immigrant youth with their stories. Villani resides in Portland.