The Yellow Paperclip Goes to Pittsburgh

In late 2005, my paperclip found its way to the hearts of third graders all the way in Pittsburgh, which is literally on the opposite side of the globe. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Pittsburgh in April 2005 to visit our corporate headquarters. This is one of my favorite photos of the Pittsburgh Postcard in my mind...


I met many wonderful people, including Donna, a grade school teacher who got so excited when she found out I was coming out with a children's book. I sent her a copy as soon as I could (which was sometime in October) so she could share it with her class. We ended up exchanging a couple of emails:

Dear Nikki,

Thank you so much for remembering to send me your book. I thought it was just wonderful. I read it to my students and they loved it as well. My 3rd graders would like to send you a little thank you. Can I have your address, please? I hope all is well with you. Lots of luck with your book. I know that it will do well.

Donna

P.S. My students couldn't believe that I knew the author of a book. They kept asking me questions about you.

And I replied with my address and asking what it was her students wanted to know. I couldn't help but walk around with a silly smile on my face after reading her reply:

Nikki,

Thank you for your address. My students ( keep in mind they are eight years old) were asking these kind of questions: How did you meet her? Why was she in the United States? How did you understand her (meaning: does she speak English?) What is her job? Show us the Philippines on the map. How long does it take to get there? And on and on and on. Good luck with the International Book award. Keep me posted. You will be hearing from my students and I in a few weeks.

Donna

I'm sure these kids have never even heard of the Philippines; I seriously doubt they've even met a Filipino. But now, thanks to my story, they at least know about my country, have seen where it is on the map, and hopefully, they can even be proud that they know about a unique Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots!