On today’s blog, we present Part 2 of our interview with two 2016 Peru alum. In Part 1, Tanessa interviewed Wanda about how she stays engaged as an AFC Ambassador and more. Now, Wanda talks to Tanessa about her role on the Communications team, where she writes and edits participant stories.

Meet Tanessa

Tanessa Noll, AFC ambassador for the Communications team, has found a natural fit for her passion and purpose – writing. Her talent is evident, as she guides AFC Alumni in talking about themselves — stoking memories often forgotten by those affected by cancer. For many, she removes the block to sharing personal thoughts, resulting in a well-developed story. Minimizing the impact she has on individuals, she says, “I’m trying to capture what they’ve said. I just ask a question and let them begin speaking.”

Helping others tell their stories

Being a member of the 2016 Peru tribe gave her a lot to write about, and it provided an opportunity to continue her passion. After returning home, she published a zine, to share stories about her experience, with people who donated to her campaign. She also wrote a young adult manuscript for National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, beginning within a couple days of her return. “I don’t consider myself a fiction writer, but I had this story idea for many years. A Fresh Chapter taught me so much about stepping out of my comfort zone. I was inspired to do that with my writing.”

With a background in journalism, Tanessa wanted to offer her writing to A Fresh Chapter. She finds pleasure talking to people and hearing their stories, because they inspire her. In return, she helps people get their life-affirming stories out, especially when they are unable to do it themselves. These stories often have familiar threads including brokenness, scars, vulnerability, journeys and the ideas around holding space for others. While the stories may be different, the common threads are woven together by their richness.

Different tribes may visit countries at different times, but the AFC process is clear. The magic of the Odysseys is hard to explain to “outsiders.” Tanessa said, “We all share a common experience, along with the agreement to focus on our spirit and healing. That’s what makes AFC unique. The bonding, volunteering and once in a lifetime experience are often what people share most about their AFC experience.“

Having her work shared is a good feeling for her. “Being involved with AFC has helped me find my groove, and I really like it. Things move quickly in AFC, and I have to keep up.” Tanessa feels a responsibility to get the details of people’s stories right and not get attached, since the story is not hers. “I was given the opportunity to bring it into the world,” she explained.

On finding the perfect time to write

I asked Tanessa about her greatest joy or accomplishment since joining the Communications team. She said it feels good when she completes a story. “Terri trusts me to complete it and post it. People respond to it. It’s a good feeling.”

As much as she loves writing, she shared it is not glamorous all of the time. Waiting for inspiration or the perfect time to have an amazing creative space is a struggle for many writers, including Tanessa. In reality, waiting on a perfect space or time is often a barrier, so she has learned to just start writing. Tanessa finds it difficult to stop thinking about that great idea. She advised me, an aspiring writer, to realize that the perfect time could be writing notes on scraps of paper at a coffee shop. “You just have to write.”