The Birren Center Anthology Second Chances Launches — Featuring My Story “Mrs. Josephs’ Lesson”
There’s something remarkable about being invited to look back at life through the lens of second chances. Those turning points — large or small — where we see the possibility of beginning again. The newly released anthology from The Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies, Second Chances, gathers fifty-six voices from around the world who did just that: reflected on a time they were offered renewal, redemption, or a different path forward.
Each short essay is a window into resilience and transformation — stories you can read over morning coffee but carry with you all day.
My Contribution: Mrs. Josephs’ Lesson
My story, Mrs. Josephs’ Lesson, takes readers back to 1960s British Guiana — a time of change, pride, and quiet rebellion. It’s the story of a young girl caught between two worlds: her grandfather, who believed education was a path to freedom, and the colonial school system that demanded perfection and conformity. In the middle of it all stood Mrs. Josephs, a strict teacher who surprised me one day by offering me a second chance.
That moment, when she allowed me to correct a single misspelled word, changed how I understood fairness, integrity, and the meaning of truly earning one’s place.
About Second Chances
Second Chances is the latest anthology produced by The Birren Center, home of Guided Autobiography (GAB) — a method developed by Dr. James Birren to help people explore their life themes through structured writing and sharing. Each essay in the book was written by a GAB participant or instructor, making it a true testament to the power of reflective storytelling.
As Angela Lifsey, one of the contributors and certified GAB instructor, beautifully said:
“Second Chances celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and shows how sharing our stories can give us the courage to live life fully.”
Why These Stories Matter
In a world that often rewards speed and perfection, Second Chances reminds us that wisdom comes from reflection — from pausing long enough to see where life cracked open and light came through. The stories in this book remind us that our mistakes, detours, and recoveries all have value when shared.
Get Your Copy
If you love true stories about growth, forgiveness, and transformation, Second Chances belongs on your nightstand — and perhaps on the gift list for someone who needs encouragement right now.
📘 Available now on Amazon or from The Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies
The Story Guides are certified Guided Autobiography Instructors and offer online classes from anywhere in the world and in-person classes in Eastern Shore, Maryland and British Columbia, Canada. Please find out about our workshops here. To find an in-person Guided Autobiography instructor near you, visit the Birren Center website.
