Our First Book Signing!
Every two weeks, my father and I volunteer for Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN), an organization dedicated to supporting children and teens with mental and physical disabilities. For over 20 years, my father has taught Taekwondo to these students in Maryland, helping them develop physical skills, confidence, and joy through movement. Recently, after publishing our first inclusive Taekwondo manual specially designed for the KEEN community, we were thrilled to hear how excited the students and their families were. They were eager to help us promote the book to as many students as possible, and the program director, in particular, was enthusiastic about the project. She even organized a book signing event for my father and me—the first of its kind for both of us.
Book signings have always felt like something reserved for famous authors and their dedicated fanbases. However, this experience shifted my perspective entirely. While this event wasn’t for a massive fandom, it was for one of the tightest, most welcoming communities I’ve ever been a part of. Knowing that this group shares a unique bond and is committed to supporting each other and these incredible students made it even more meaningful. When my father and I received the invitation for a book signing after one of our KEEN classes, we were ecstatic. The work we had put into this manual over the past year felt validated in a way that went beyond just sales or recognition. We were going to be able to connect directly with the students and their families, sharing the very pages we had carefully crafted.
Before the signing, we led our regular KEEN session. My father and I ensured the students were engaged with stretches, core exercises, and other routines focusing on upper and lower body strength. The class was filled with laughter and excitement as volunteers ran alongside students, cheering them on. At the end of the session, however, the atmosphere changed from our usual wrap-up. Instead of heading straight home, the students and their families stayed for the special event.
With a stack of books my mother had printed for the occasion, along with pencils and a camera ready to capture this unforgettable day, we began the signing. Students lined up with excitement, each receiving a signed copy of the manual. Parents looked on with pride, and we took photos with each family, capturing the smiles and joy that filled the room. Giving out the manuals felt like more than a simple gesture; it was a way of celebrating the resilience and enthusiasm these students brought to every class. As each student received a book and shared a moment with us, I felt incredibly grateful to be part of such a dedicated community.
In gifting them our manual, we hoped to give something meaningful back to a community that has welcomed us so warmly over the years. I realized then the true value of inclusion and the impact of community service on creating emotional connections. This event allowed me to see firsthand how my family and I could contribute to the lives of these students and their families, and it deepened my understanding of what it means to be part of a community that supports and uplifts each other.
