By Emmie Meeks
Welcome back Busload of Books Research Blog readers!
We want to thank you for following along with us through another successful semester and invite you to stick around for a jam-packed spring!
We have some exciting updates from the end of the fall semester that we would love to share with you!
First, Robbi and Matthew were invited to attend the Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco, CA, on October 20. Also in attendance was Maryland governor, Wes Moore. At Masters of Scale, Robbi and Matthew presented the story of the Busload of Books tour. They also had the opportunity to connect with Gov. Moore to discuss a potential partnership with the state to create more opportunities like this for every student in Maryland!
Second, fellow student researcher Brooke and I had the chance to sit down for lunch with Robbi and Matthew in Washington College’s very own dining hall. We had a lovely time getting to know each other better beyond the project. Robbi and Matthew also gave us the inside scoop on their upcoming endeavors, including a new series they’re working on geared toward older adolescents! They imparted incredible wisdom in their quirky ways, and we could not be more grateful for the opportunity to share a meal with them.
Part of our conversation also focused on why Brooke and I were interested in joining the project, as well as what we would like to see come out of it both for ourselves and for the kids we’re researching. This cause is very near and dear to both me and Brooke based on our personal experiences and career aspirations. Robbi and Matthew also opened up about their feelings about the impact their visits have on students, the very intense reality that they can’t reach every student in a Title 1 school, and their desire to continue to contribute to a project that is paving the way for more visits like this across the country that will continue to create real change. We left feeling inspired and hopeful and very aware of what a privilege it is to work with such kind, empathetic, and passionate people—they’re the real deal.
Be sure to check back in with the blog as we start the semester and follow along with Robbi and Matthew on socials to see what they’re up to!
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