Recovery Workforce Summit Poetry Winners

Earlier this year, PAPRS is reached out to all "Emerging Adults" (16-26 yrs.) in Pennsylvania to submit a poem expressing their vision of recovery and resiliency. A booklet of featuring a select number of these poems was published and distributed at the Recovery Workforce Summit on June 1-4, 2015 in Philadelphia, PA. 

Three poems were selected as the works that best exemplified the theme of recovery and resiliency: "Purpose" by Donna Lee Shaw; "Just Breathe" by Shannon Shorter; and "A Cinquain" by Kylee Estudante. 

Donna Lee Shaw was able to join us at The Summit to give a voice to all emerging adults in Pennsylvania, and PRA had the pleasure to interview her about her winning poem.

PRA: Congratulations on having “Purpose” recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services. There were many submissions from across the state. Were you surprised to have your work selected and how do you feeling about having your work recognized in this way? 

Donna: Yes, I was definitely astonished at winning this. I was in complete shock, even becoming a bit teary-eyed.  Also, I feel so honored to having this recognizedabout having “Purpose” recognized, since I got the poem entered, not feeling like what I wrote was goodbecause I felt that the poem may not be good enough to win. I’m very thankful about this opportunity.

PRA: How long have you been writing and do you think it is something you will pursue or continue to do? 

Donna: Well, I have been writing poetry since I was in fourth grade (aged 10). I was inspired by the work of Shel Silverstein, a quirky, upbeat poet. I felt compelled to write my own poetry, even after my class assignment was to write a poem of my own. As I grew older, the tone of my writing got became more in-depth and mature. I actually love to write. On my bucket list is that I eventually want to write a book or books, perhaps one of poetry, short stories, a whole story, or all of them – this goal is on my bucket list. 

PRA: If there were was a piece of advice you could give to either peers experiencing similar what you have experiencedin your position, or give to your younger self, what would it be? 

Donna: Keep on keeping on. Even when you’re down and out, just reach out. There’s always a hand to reach out to you too, whether you realize it or not, a shoulder to cry on, an ear and heart that hears and truly listens. We all have a pPurpose, every time we wake up, breathe, move, work, and accomplish. That is your Ppurpose, living each day to find it when you’re already living it. The final pieces to your ultimate puzzle.