Lesson #68: Taking The Shot “Friends By Choice ” - Reina Bolds
Happy September from The Moth and welcome back to school!
This month’s Storytelling School story is:
“On the Move” by Reina Bolds
Watch the video.
You can read the transcript of Reina’s story here.
After you’ve watched and read the story, you can do the following activities:
Talk to each other about Reina’s story.
For each post, we’ll highlight a different crafting strategy for how to make your story compelling. For this post, we’ll focus on TAKING THE SHOT! Huge changes in our lives can pivot on tiny moments, like the mere seconds it takes to shoot a basketball. Reina does a beautiful job of slowing down those seconds and setting the stakes of this game- it’s not just winning or losing a game, it’s the risk of losing her sister.
Can you think of a moment in your life that you find yourself replaying in your head in slow motion? Why is that moment so memorable? What changed for you at that moment?
How does Reina create suspense in this story? What techniques does she use?
Write or tell your own story.
At The Moth, we believe in celebrating the diversity and commonality of human experience. Often, listening to someone’s story will remind us of a story from our own lives. While you almost definitely have not had Reina’s exact experience, it still may have reminded you of a story from your life. Get inspired by these prompt questions to tell your own story!
Tell us about a time you had to say goodbye
Tell us about a time you shared a passion for something with a friend or family member
Tell us about a time you were on the same team
Tell us about a time you were in denial
Tell us about a time it didn’t matter if you won or lost
Tell us about a time you were under pressure
Tell us about a time you took a deep breath
Tell us about a time you took your shot
Tell us about a time where you didn’t get something you really wanted
Tell us about a time, time stopped
Tell us about a time you closed the distance
ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS BASED ON STORY CONTENT/ PRINCIPLE
Is there someone in your life who you consider to be a hero or mentor? What does that look like? What do they do?
If you do, take a moment to thank them and have a conversation with them. Maybe you can do it in person, over the phone, text, email, or by writing a letter.
If you don’t, who in your community or your greater network can you look to for guidance and comfort? It could be someone you know, like a family member or a fellow member of an organization, or someone you don’t know.
Do you have a phrase or saying you use to help yourself keep going during tough times, or to give you inspiration? Maybe it’s one word or a full phrase, like “Go, on, Go!” If you don’t, give it a try! Who doesn’t love a good pep talk?
Read about the science behind “self-talk,” or giving yourself a pep talk, here from Head Space
Share this post with a friend!
And check back the second Tuesday of every month for another story.
Storyteller bio
Reina Bolds has a passion for storytelling, and enjoys going on long walks with her dogs, playing basketball, and trying new foods. She joined The Moth’s Education Program through a school residency She has gone on to tell her story at the education showcase in 2023 and it aired on the Moth Radio Hour in 2024.
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The Moth Education Program works with young people and educators to build community through storytelling workshops, performances and innovative resources.
We are always looking for more young people and educators to join our storytelling workshops! To learn more, apply for a workshop, or refer someone you know, please go to themoth.org/education
The Moth Education Program is made possible by generous support from Unlikely Collaborators.
Additional program support is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, The Gottesman Fund, The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and Con Edison.