Have you ever visited a Buddhist temple? Or heard a professional writer speak? These are just two of the experiences the Maine West creative writing class has encountered this year.

Twenty‑two seniors meet every day fifth period. In an informal atmosphere they conduct lively discussions, see films, and read many interesting and informative novels. Mr. Peter Potamianos is the instructor of the creative writing class.

The students also go on field trips for authentic material and actual experiences. Some of the students have gone to different libraries in Chicago.

This quarter the class is studying Buddhism. Mary Gardner and Diane Glanke visited a Buddhist temple in Chicago. After seeing the temple, Mary and Diane had lunch with the pastor of the temple and a college professor and eight of his students.

Mary commented, "The trip was really interesting and very informative. We learned quite a lot from talking with the pastor and the professor during lunch."

During the year each student will write a novella, poems, short stories and essays, plays, and keep a journal. They also will do dramatic monologues. At the end of each quarter the students put on a program using the material they have written. In April the students will bind all their material together in one volume.

Mary added, "The class is really interesting if you like to write. The hardest thing is to discipline yourself to write even though you're not in the mood for it."