Students at Haute Vallée were recently treated to an inspiring visit from poet and author Connor Allen, who came to share his experiences, read some of his poetry and encourage us to explore our own creativity.
Connor is the author of a book called Miracles, a collection of poems inspired by his life and childhood. During his visit, he read several poems aloud and shared the personal stories and experiences behind them. His words showed us how poetry does not have to be complicated to be powerful. Sometimes, the simplest words can have the greatest impact.
The session was highly interactive, with Connor asking us questions and encouraging us to discuss our thoughts and share our answers. This made the experience enjoyable and engaging, while also giving us useful tips and advice about how to write our own poetry. Afterwards, a selected group of boys had the exciting opportunity to take part in a poetry workshop with him.
One of the most memorable parts of Conner’s visit was hearing about his childhood and the challenges he had faced growing up. Although he is now a successful, award-winning Children’s Laureate, his early life was far from easy. His father left when he was young, which had a significant impact on him. When he was just ten years old, his best friend sadly died from a brain tumour. Conner dedicated a poem to his friend, reflecting on their friendship, his grief and the support his mum gave him during such a difficult time.
Conner also spoke honestly about a particularly difficult period in his teenage years. When he was sixteen, he came close to being sent to a juvenile prison after an incident in which he assaulted his mother. He openly admitted, “I saw red and beat my mum.” His mother reported the incident to the police, and although this was a difficult turning point in his life, Conner explained that he is now grateful she took that action. He believes it helped him recognise the direction his life was heading and gave him the opportunity to turn things around.
His story was a powerful reminder that our past does not have to define our future. Through honesty, determination and the support of others, it is possible to overcome difficult experiences and achieve great things.
Overall, Conner Allen’s visit was an unforgettable experience. We not only enjoyed listening to his poetry but also learned valuable lessons about creativity, resilience and the power of words. His story left us feeling inspired and reminded us that sometimes the most meaningful poems come from the experiences that shape our lives.
Scarlett: Kempt
