Everyone has a story. What’s yours?
What’s your story? What are your memories and what are you doing with them?
Many years ago, I asked my mom about our family photos. I remembered seeing photos here and there, but was curious about the rest of them, all stored in piles of envelopes. Within a couple of weeks, a large cardboard box showed up on my doorstep. Filled with photos (and negatives) piled to the top, my mom had been keeping then, but nobody had ever organized them. Until now.
I took it on as a challenge to make sense of this box of chaos. Weeks of sorting, wondering ‘when was this?’, ‘who is that person?’, and ‘why is this photo important?’.
I ended up with 22 photo albums, filled with photos of my grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, parents, siblings, dogs, and friends, sorted chronologically. Still I had so many questions. What stories were happening in these photos? What stories did I remember? What else could I do with these memories?
I wanted to write my stories, but I remembered what my tenth-grade English teacher told me: "You'll never be a writer. It's a good thing you have strong math skills." At 16, I believed him. Even if I tried, I had no idea where to start.
In 2025, I discovered a Guided Autobiography class at Bellevue College. On the first day, uncertain if I'd return, we received a simple prompt: 'Tell me about a kitchen from your childhood'. Words poured out from somewhere I didn't know existed. Forgotten memories and details surfaced. It was extraordinary, I wanted to keep writing long after we were asked to stop. That exercise ignited something inside me.
I couldn't wait to start my homework—a two-page essay on a new prompt. The following week, back in class, we shared our stories with a small group. I was captivated by my group members' voices and perspectives. I was also excited to share my story.
Week by week, my bond with the group deepened through shared stories. After the eighth class, none of us wanted it to end, so we signed up for another round of class. We kept meeting over the summer and we're still together today.
I discovered the writer who had been dormant inside me all along. The experience was so transformative that I am now certified to teach this process and am writing my own memoir.
If you’ve ever wondered about how you might tackle writing your story, you’ve come to the right place. I help people write their stories by teaching: Write Your Memories: One Story at a Time. I use the Birren Guided Autobiography Process, tapping into your life experiences and transforming them into a series of compelling stories. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting, this process offers a structured, supportive environment to explore your memories, reflect on your life, and create meaningful narratives.
You’ll write your story, starting with two pages.
We’ll spend class time talking about writing, using tools to connect with memories, and completing writing exercises. We’ll also hear each other’s stories!
You’ll finish class with at least seven meaningful essays about your personal history, and several new friends!
Why write your story?
Gain personal insight and self-understanding - discover patterns and explore pivot points
Enhance emotional well-being - expressive writing brings clarity and relieves stress
Develop storytelling skills - articulate and share your experience with other writers
Bond with others - share experiences in a safe and welcoming place
Preserve memories - create a legacy
Watch bottom-up history come alive with personal stories from the past
Strengthen family bonds - preserve stories and connect generations
Start a writing habit, even if you’ve never considered yourself a writer! Learn a new skill.
