From going to the CUPSI 2018 poetry invitational, I learned many things about life and writing. Here are the top ten takeaways from these amazing experiences... also, if you happen to be able to support any of the competitors and their amazing books, poems, and photography, that breaks and shatters the glass ceiling held above minorities, please do.

1. The power of words:

Words can change the path of anyone’s life. They can inspire and teach. They can sway a whole nation; as my best friend says “Dear, let your pen be the mightiest weapon in your arsenal.”

2. The strength in numbers:

Be able to find strength within yourself, but also be able to lean on others when you need to. I found amazing friends at CUPSI that I can always lean on.

3. You can be anything:

Photographers, writers, starving and successful artists all pledged at the CUPSI event in Philadelphia.

4. You are your best advocate:

Can’t publish through a company? Bind the books yourself. Can’t find registration? Be the advocate that finds it and brings the team home. There is nothing you can’t do when you learn to speak up for yourself!

5. Being different is special:

The people at CUPSI were minorities. Race, sexuality and gender, there were people of all shapes, colors, and sizes, winning poetry contests for being different because that is part of what makes them special. No matter who you are, you are important and you can change people’s minds and views and ways of life, just by being you.

6. Be true to yourself:

Though we can embrace what makes ourselves different, it is often hard to take it one step further and to be true to those things. Don’t sway. Find courage in being true to yourself and revel in the fact that you are the best at being you.

7. Words can change the world:

It is possible to make the world a better place just by being kind, being outspoken and speaking up for what you believe in. This lesson is similar to the first but it is so important.

8. Art speaks to everyone:

No matter who you are, Art is the tapestry of the very life we live. Cliche? Maybe. True? Definitely.

9. You never know how you affect people’s lives:

I was impacted so greatly by one of the workshops in particular. No one could know the half of what the words spoken meant to me. Always be gracious and kind; you never know who you might find that make life worth living for

10. Love always:

At the end of the day? Love. Love even if people can’t find the strength to love back. Wear your heart on your sleeve and spread love around the world. With so much hate, find the courage to love deeply and fiercely.