I’ve been into poetry since middle school, maybe as early as late elementary school. From writing poetry about some guy I was head over heels with, to writing poetry that has nothing to do with me. My writing style has changed and improved. I’ve always been a free writer; the rhyme schemes and syllable count was too fake for me to even consider picking it up outside of classroom exercises. I give credit to the famous poets and writing who flourished in structure, but mine came as a blessing from God as free as a clear stream flowing on a cool spring morning.

Throughout the years I shared my poetry with teachers and close friends. However, it wasn’t until my late freshman year of college I got to experience an amazing club with passionate members and a variety of people along the way.

The first meeting I went to was rather small. A handful of people were there, but I was excited to write and share my poetry. I remember my first poem I wrote there. My spoken word was not the best, for it was my first time giving a go at actually preforming a piece. After receiving some constructive criticism, I was encouraged to get better.

For awhile, I was afraid to let people edit my poems due to my sensitivity. I enjoy and appreciate criticism, but certainly was not ready to do it standing up and in person. But as I was involved in my first talent show as a spoken word artist, I know I needed to break out of my shell. For future shows, I have entrusted in this group to tweak my work.

I have grown also by watching others. Many times we would open up with videos on YouTube that showcased Spoken Word artists. Social Issues, Mental Health, and relationship related pieces caused me to ponder. The way they preformed inspired how I wrote one of my recent poems.

The very members of Speak inspired me. Each individual has such a unique way of expressing their love and zeal for the art and it fascinates me how many ways you can preform something. Not only that, these people are fun to chat with and just be yourself. At one time, almost the whole group had abrupt into a debate about which rappers were the best and spent the whole meeting that way. I never know what is going to happen in a meeting. From workshops to discussion or even just random things interrupting the usual routine, meetings usually have something going on. Almost always I have left the meetings with a piece of poetry.

This club has evolved into not only spoken word but rap, music, and is. even open to stories. What a beautiful diversity we have. I might not always agree with content, but it's a place where people can come without judgement.

This was especially nice for me when I do Christian related poems.

This semester is our president's, Kevin, last semester as president. Next semester he graduates.

Kevin has a beautiful soul. He is my brother in Christ, and an inspiration to me as a creative thinker. He has always believed in this club and the members in it . His poems are a beautiful intricate of heartfelt words he strings and works together.

Poetry is where I first saw him. I remember sitting in class where he came as a guest speaker. His words played off his tone he fits in. See, when he speaks, his tone differs than his normal way of talking. He turns into the persona. He sculpts it into his.

I hope this club will continue. I love this club, and look forward to it every week. Kevin had a vision for this club. He envisioned unity through creativity on this campus. I don't know if he thinks it has happened or not, but in a lot of ways for me,

It has.