This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Sarah describes the life-changing experience of teaching creative writing to inmates in federal prison.

Sarah Elkins is a poet and marketing professional living and working in White Sulphur Springs, WV. In 2013 Sarah taught creative writing at a medium security men's federal prison through a grant partnership between Americans for the Arts and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Sarah has since moved on to other endeavors, but she speaks to groups and organizations about her experiences within the prison. Her poem, Sweet Potato Pie, dedicated to the inmates of FCI-Beckley, earned an honorable mention for the Pearl S. Buck Award for Writing for Social Change, a competition sponsored by West Virginia Writers.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)