The afternoon I spent at Still Waters in a Storm in December of 2016 will remain in my memory as one of the most moving and rewarding experiences I have ever had. To see these children of varying ages working together and with their remarkable teacher, Stephen Haff, on any project would, in itself, have been nothing short of inspirational. But collaborating with them as they pored over passages of the Quixote, teasing out meanings, reacting to the author’s words with their keen minds and fertile imaginations, and making this 17th century Spanish novel speak to who they are today in 21st Century Bushwick, Brooklyn will always be one of the most cherished highlights of my professional life. I came away from 286 Stanhope St. with not only a new appreciation for the resonance of Cervantes’ voice over time and distance (how many times have I extolled the author’s universality to my own students throughout the years?) but with a profoundly renewed sense of optimism for what the human spirit can accomplish. Cervantes, I am sure, would admire Stephen Haff, every bit a valiant gentleman, knight, and hero. The children at Still Waters, who proudly proclaim themselves to be Don Quixote as they set about making the world a better place, would make the author prouder than any literary accolade. In so many ways, Mr. Haff and the children embody all that Cervantes’ great novel teaches us about humanity at its best. I have become a huge fan of Mr. Haff and his vision, and of the extraordinary work he does with these amazing young people, instilling in them confidence in their own voices and minds, providing a space in which they can learn, explore, and grow, encouraging the light that is in each of them to shine brightly. I look forward to participating with Still Waters again very soon. It is truly balm for the mind and soul.

Diana Conchado, Professor of Spanish Literature, Hunter College