From the Safe Space of Professionalism to the Brave Space of Community: The 'About Campus' Writers Retreat as Soul Work

Educators carve out space for students in and out of the classroom to develop a sense of identity and belonging through opportunities for learning. However, they are slow to do this for themselves. Scholars face a daily battle to become better writers, better mentors, and better people. The "About Campus" Writers Retreat, a boot camp for writing strategies, is a safe space carved out for writers to recover and rebuild through the support of peer fellowship. To illuminate the power of the collective and the "About Campus" Writers Retreat, the authors offer four significant lessons on writing and life: (1) Create Community Where You Are; (2) Be Brave. Be Yourself; (3) Strength in Vulnerability; and (4) Write to Make a Difference. [Contributing authors: Dr. Catherina Carlson, Dr. Jerlena Griffin Desta, Ms. Bridget DuBrey, Rev. J. Cody Nielsen, Ms. Margaret Sebastian, Dr. Carmen Taylor, and Dr. Jennifer Wells.]