A Writer's Life: Ninja Turtles, Immigrant Education and the Necessity of a Writing Community with Dolan Morgan

People at the Core

Ever wondered how childhood dreams and unexpected career paths intersect? Join us as we sit down with Dolan Morgan, a gifted writer and illustrator from Greenpoint, Brooklyn, who takes us on a nostalgic journey from dictating stories to his grandmother, to immersing himself in the vibrant life of New York City. Dolan opens up about their move from Connecticut to NYC for college and his studies at NYU, where they balanced an education degree with a burning passion for writing. You'll hear heartwarming and humorous anecdotes, like working with newly arrived immigrants at Port Authority and laughing about cultural crazes like Ninja Turtles and Crocs.
Education is at the heart of Dolan's story. For nearly twenty years, they have dedicated themselves to supporting immigrant multilingual learners, creating transformative learning experiences and organizing conferences for educators. Dolan shares the joys and struggles of this work, especially during the pandemic's shift to remote learning. Marisa also gives a heartfelt account of her NYU thesis project, which documented the experiences of immigrant youth, shedding light on the unique challenges they face in their quest to graduate high school.
But Dolan's journey doesn't stop at education. He delves into his creative evolution, from discovering a love for art in junior college to blending his skills in writing and illustration. We talk about the therapeutic benefits of art, the impact of formal training, and the influence of community involvement. Our conversation also touches on deeper existential themes, exploring fears, desires, and the pursuit of living fully. Wrapping up with playful banter and a celebration of community, this episode is a heartfelt and inspiring celebration of Dolan's multifaceted life and the creative journey.
**Dolan Morgan bonus episode reading excerpt will be available June 21, 2024!**
Dolan Morgan Links
Website
Instagram
Linktr.ee
Books by Dolan Morgan
That's When the Knives Come Down
Mentions
Imagine Wanting Only This by Kristin Radtke

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Chapters

1. People at the Core (00:00:00)

2. Work in Education and Creative Exploration (00:11:39)

3. Artistic Inspiration and Creativity Journey (00:22:50)

4. Reflecting on Happiness and Mortality (00:29:48)

5. Community Involvement and Playful Banter (00:38:08)

6. Future Reading Series Announcement (00:56:17)