Mandy Gardner

Harriet Jernigan, a writing and rhetoric teacher at Stanford, shares a humorous encounter with her idol, Maya Angelou, that mixes anxiety with joy. Mandy Gardner details an emotional visit to poet Anne Sexton's grave, exploring themes of identity and connection through literature. Both storytellers highlight the profound lessons learned from meeting literary legends, emphasizing the unfulfilled admiration and mentorship found in these interactions. Their experiences weave a rich tapestry of inspiration that resonates with anyone who has idolized great figures.