It was an extraordinary day. As I drove on Madison Ave in Trumbull and up Buck Hill Rd in Easton to Park Avenue the other day, the maroon and gold leaves looked beautiful. Returning to my alma mater, Sacred Heart University was such a deep feeling of joy and sense of accomplishment. Since I was invited to be a Guest Speaker at Sacred Heart University during the university's 50th anniversary, my mind and heart were filled with so many good memories. Just like our own homes, the building or structures may have changed, but the atmosphere of sharing, learning and traditions is still the same. I remembered debate practice and the team spirit that existed amongst the members of the Debate Society. I still remember my Debate coach, Dr. Gary Rose telling us to "Bring back hardware" (trophies). So, I fought hard at my debates and my debate team partner and I were the first students to end up in a final round against Columbia University's top team as well as winning various public speaking awards. I'll never forget competing at Princeton University during the World Debate Championship. My public speaking and writing abilities are attributed to my days as President of the SHU Debate Society. It was also about building a team of "depth" meaning helping my team mates during practice so that they can excel during debate competitions. Sometimes I thought about the long hours of studying, completing group projects and the sigh of relief as I handed in my last exam before the Christmas break. There is always the memory of the Spring break vacations to Florida after so many long days of taking notes, lectures, and term papers. My college days at Sacred Heart University were a culmination of a quality learning environment, Professors who were always visible to provide extra help and guidance when needed and most importantly, the atmosphere of tradition and family. Nov. 13, 2013 will always be an extraordinary day for me as it was the day that I returned to my alma mater to give a speech/lecture about my book "Slices of Life Italian-American Stories". As I saw a line of students who had chosen to attend my lecture waiting to get into the room, my eyes filled with tears of joy. As an author, I know that all of my Guest Speaking engagements, lectures and author Meet and Greets had reached it's highest point. It was extraordinary to see the students sitting in the same chairs that I had once sat in during lectures. This time I was on the other side of the podium sharing the factual accounts of people's traditions, struggles, celebrations, family love and devotion.
As I read my mission statement that day, I noticed how attentive the students were while they jotted down notes in their notebooks. Sometimes they smiled and looked up at me with curiosity and a quest for knowledge. I shared some of the collective memoirs about ordinary people who have extraordinary memories. These stories provided the students with a taste of heritage and culture. When I had asked some of the students to share some of their own memories or valuable lessons that they have learned from their own families, a student told me that his grandfather is from Italy and sometimes advises him with proverbs such as "Always hang around with people who are better than you." This is good, "Old School" advice because we will always learn more by being with people who have a heart bigger than our own, have more experiences and knowledge as well as a good value system. Most of all, be around people who bring out the best in you. A couple of other students said that they look forward to going home for Christmas. A student said that it is not just the food or the 7 fishes on Christmas Eve, but it's about "Togetherness". His eyes lit up when he said "It's the only time of year that I will get to see all of my relatives in one place; at my mom's house." Another student talked about the memories of traveling to Florence recently. Some students mentioned things that their parents or grandparents had talked about during the holiday season. As many people know, I am an author of collective memoirs.
As the writer and speaker of truths, I told students that no matter which field they choose to study, always be truthful. I addressed students who may decide to enter the world of journalism. My advice to them was to always use the "Pillars of Journalism" and not to get caught up with propaganda or other dishonest tactics. Thoroughness, accuracy, fairness and transparency are the pillars to follow. You can also replace the word "Journalist", "Writer" or "Author" with any field, trade, profession or title. Therefore, in addition to educating and informing SHU students, my message to them was to always use good "Pillars" no matter what their title will be in life. I told them to keep their creative talents and hobbies alive. As I talked about portions of some of the holiday and travel stories, I saw and heard students make a connection. Even if some become writers of Fantasy or Science Fiction, etc, I told them to do so with integrity and pride. The one lesson I always learned during my St. Joes and SHU days is that no matter what you do, obtain your goals honestly. It's not just obtaining a goal, but what you did to get there that counts, how you got there and the way that you treated people along the way. I told them to always remember the core values that they learned from their family and professors. It was an amazing experience. It all came full circle for me. Seeing an estimated 125 students at my lecture during the university's 50th anniversary was a day that will be in my heart forever. What an amazing journey it has been. It's priceless.
Sacred Heart University was my last Guest Speaking engagement of 2013. "Thank you" to organizations, business owners and everyone who have invited me to be a Guest Speaker, showcase my book, allowed me to have an "Author Meet and Greet" or who have supported me in some way. Thanks again Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, everyone at Captain's Cove Seaport, Tony Reno of WICC for the radio interview during the Blue Fish Tournament at Captain's Cove, New Canaan Rotary Club, UNICO - Waterbury Chapter, Trumbull Library, University of Hartford's on-line radio station WWUH.org's "Carosello Musicale" with Tony Magno and his team, Earl Benedetto of City World Radio, Maureen Leucier and Christine Brown of The Bijou Theater Bpt CT, Trumbull Chapter of the AARP, WTNH Connecticut Style, Len Paoletta of BACIO, who preserves the Italian heritage and has invited me to attend so many of their wonderful lectures, THE TALK OF CT WDRC Radio, Truby Chiavello of Primo Magazine, Trumbull Woman's Club, Luigi's in Trumbull who allowed me to place a poster there a while back, Townhouse Salon, Hagaman Memorial Library in East Haven, Ana Nelson, Gina Campolattaro and everyone at the Stamford Senior Center, Saporo Deli, Home Restaurant in Branford, Stonington Vineyards, and Digrazia Vineyards. I am also grateful for Kate Czaplinski and everyone at the Trumbull Times and all of the Editors at the Trumbull Patch and all Patch sites. Let's say that I have a beautiful collage of photos from my CT book signing/lecture/Guest Speaking trail to add to my photo albums and in my memory. I have learned so much from amazing professionals and people in many parts of CT. I know that 2014 will bring me more valuable and heart-warming experiences in CT. Thanks for those who attended my events. Even if you were not able to make it to an event, I still am very lucky to have received many different gestures and expressions of support. I am a small town local author who is very blessed. I am not on the best sellers list, but I am still proud of my accomplishments. Also I am proud of the people who are featured in the book, who gave me their time while I interviewed them to write their stories and who participated in my you tube video production.
These next few weeks I will continue to work as a Substitute Teacher in the Trumbull Schools while I continue my job search in Management, hopefully dealing with the public, using my talents and utilizing my account management and speaking abilities. I will also be donating to certain charities whether it be old coats and jackets for the poor, food drives, Trumbull Senior Center, etc and being an advocate/community outreach volunteer for various causes including The Center For Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County. As always, you will see my Letters to the Editor from time to time in the CT Post, Patch or Trumbull Times and being a volunteer campaigner in the upcoming Congressional race in CT's 4th Congressional District, future Senate races and others. Hopefully the next Presidential campaign in a juicy city such as Hartford or other CT campaign office. My love of being in the various campaign offices during election time will never change. It's been a part of me since college. As a St. Joseph HS and Sacred Heart University graduate, I will continue to contribute in small and simple ways. I am also proud of my contributions to the literary world.
Thanks to my family, friends, former classmates and many organizations and venues who have welcomed and supported me. I won't name each family member or friend here. They know who they are. It's the people who showed interested or who did simple things such as text message me, commented or liked my face book wall posts, or who called and cheered me on. It really meant a lot to me. Every simple thing counts and I appreciate it. May Thanksgiving, Christmas and all holidays be enjoyable, peaceful and filled with good people and of course, food! Remember the Italian proverb that the SHU student shared with me, "Always hang around with people who are better than you." Also, remember the other student who said that holidays are about "Togetherness, not just food". It is also a time of sharing and giving back to the community in any simple way that you can. Remember, there are people out there who need your help in different ways.
My next speaking engagement will be at S.H.A.R.P on January 9th 2014.
PS. I don't sing Sinatra. I am holding a microphone because I am a Lecturer and Guest Speaker. Trust me, you don't want me to sing.
Warmest Regards,
Joanna M. Leone
Trumbull resident and Author of "Slices of Life Italian-American Stories"
