“Writing is a solitary thing, and it’s nights like these that we get to share these parts of ourselves that we work so hard on,” Creative Writing teacher Sean Knight said.
After observing one of Meraki’s infamous open-mic nights, it is clear that Sean Knight serves as a sounding board for the diverse voices of students across Dripping Springs High School. These students, filled with creative initiative, find a mentor in Knight, and the opportunity to share their literary work. During these open-mic nights, an eclectic group of young personalities gather together to share their innermost thoughts and reflections in the form of short stories, poetry, singing and even stand-up comedy. In his natural element, Knight prefers not to be the center of attention, but rather to support his students in taking the spotlight.
“My favorite part of my job is getting to see the amazing things my students get to create every day,” Knight said. “It’s really about the students, I think; getting to talk to them, getting to joke around with them, and getting to see just how creative they are, whether it’s in their work or the classroom.”
Knight’s role in the creative writing program is extensive, involving various facets of the curriculum, teaching both Meraki Publishing and On-Ramps Rhetoric courses. Despite this, supporting his students is the most important aspect of his job, especially when it comes to fostering a culture of encouragement and positivity to help his students develop well-written literature.
“I try to help them to see the good things in [what they write] because I think sometimes we can be our own worst critics,” Knight said. “I always try to get them to read as many things as possible throughout the year, just because I think that exposure to different ways of writing is important. Other than that, I just let their creative genius go for it and fly.”
Knight’s passion for creative literature began in elementary school, and continues to fuel his role as a confidant for the young authors and poets that he teaches.
“I remember when I was in fifth grade, I won a PTA award, one of those reflection contests for a story I wrote,” Knight said. “I was always a big reader, but it wasn’t until after high school that I got the idea that I wanted to be an English major. I took a class at ACC, which sparked my interest in short stories and poetry, and from then on, I was hooked.”
A person’s inspiration is not just a source of motivation; it is the very essence that makes them a distinctive individual, and, for Knight, family is his key incentive. They are his inspiration as he guides his students through their writing endeavors, as well as his personal pursuits.
“I’ve written a couple of stories, and had one published, but right now, I’m waiting to hear back about other stories and how they end up turning out,” Knight said.
After a night of stories, poetry, stand-up, and music, Knight had many students to be proud of, however, he said there were two that stood out to him in particular.
“One of our Meraki students’ little sister sang a beautiful song and played the piano, and I really liked that,” Knight said. “I also enjoyed a piece by Maddie Rougeron, and she killed it. I mean, she’s a freshman, and you can see the literary community building and a new group of students get up there and enjoy the stage.”
At the center of every great community there is something or someone who inspires, encourages, and pushes everyone to do their very best, and for the Creative Writing program, that someone is Sean Knight.