Lesson #62: Rise and Shine “Stepping Into Me” - Jake Haller
Welcome back to Storytelling School! We’re celebrating this month with a story all about stepping into oneself. Jake Haller told this month’s story at the GrandSLAM for The Moth's Education Program in New York City on June 8, 2019.
This month’s Storytelling School story is:
“Stepping Into Me” by Jake Haller
After you’ve watched and read the story, you can do the following activities:
Talk to each other about Jake’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 STAKES. Jake sets the stage to know what’s at stake for him as he steps into who he is.
How did Jake increase his confidence about sharing his identity with the people closest to him?
What steps did Jake take to share his “Coming Out” story?
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 Jake’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 that you had to make a confession
Tell us about a time that you were worried about an outcome
Tell us about a time when you were getting to know yourself
Tell us about a time you were confident about your gender
Tell us about a time you were treated fairly and/or unfairly due to your gender
Tell us about a time you questioned your own identity
ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS BASED ON STORY CONTENT/ PRINCIPLE
Has anyone inspired you to become more confident in yourself? Does that person have a similar backstory or is their backstory different but empowering? Create a fan that represents you where the outsides see and know about you. Insides represent the things you know about yourself that others don’t see
Do you know someone who respects you for who you are despite how society sees you? If the answer is yes, provide examples of how they made you feel accepted. If the answer is no, describe what a supportive space looks like for you? What does it feel like to have a supportive person in your life? Create a drawing and/or painting that represents this person and list their characteristics.
Share this post with a friend!
And check back the second Tuesday of every month for another story.
Storyteller bio
Jake Haller is now a 20-year-old adventurer based in upstate New York, where he resides on his family's rescue farm. With a passion for both animals and travel, he spends his days caring for animals and his free time exploring new places. Jake finds himself at that exciting stage of his life where he's still discovering his path, and he's embracing the journey of self-discovery one step at a time. Whether it's tending to farm animals, embarking on spontaneous trips, or navigating the uncertainties of early 20s, Jake is on a quest to enjoy life while gradually uncovering his purpose.
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, Alice Gottesman, The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and Con Edison.