Table 9: The Experience of a Lifetime

Table 9: The Experience of a Lifetime

 
I remember the moment I decided to go on the publishing cruise. It was a sudden decision I made right around my birthday and I excitedly waited for the time to come. I’d decided to take a chance and treat myself and I was rewarded for my courage. Yes, it took courage! I didn’t even think about it like that initially. Then, I listened to the reaction from others when they heard that I went on that cruise…alone. I was excited for the adventure of being in new places and learning new things, but I did not know that the adventure would be in the wonderful women I would meet.

The adventure was a combination of bonding with my roommate, meeting the other amazing women that sat at table 9, and experiencing the adventures around the Caribbean islands with wonderful new friends. On the ship, those who were there for the workshop gathered each night for dinner. The first day, we had assigned tables, which allowed us to get acquainted with one another. Along with my roommate, I took my assigned seat at table 9, where I met several young women with purpose, vision, and drive. From day one, it felt as though our seats were divinely assigned.

To all the women of Table 9: Thank you for the experience of a lifetime!

-Amadella Clarke, Author of The Keys Are Inside

table 9