Writers' Society: Chair of Poetry

Poetry breathes life into seemingly invisible moments; there are countless moments waiting to be felt in the same way that strange emotions long to be heard. When I write, I am continually struck by how cathartic the experience is, how my eyes are opened to new ways of seeing the world and my chaotic existence in it. I hope to offer as much in-depth feedback as I can to this society because no matter how unassuming, unhinged, or displaced our ideas seem to ourselves, they are valid. When we recognise that writing, like society, is a work-in-progress, we begin to take pleasure in the wild nature of creativity.

The thought of others finding the same solace that the writer's society has brought me, makes me smile. Learning to love improving our art is challenging... yet empowering; art needs to be heard, especially if it speaks out against oppression.

Due to past experience in editing/publishing poems for a newsletter run by humanitarian organisations, I relish analysis, and giving as well as receiving feedback. I am interested in elevating queer, feminist, and minority narratives through the organisation of feedback sessions, workshops, and performative events. It is my hope that writers will feel led to seize opportunities for self-expression and use their voices for the sake of personal and social empowerment. There is so much freedom and growth to be found in poetry, in the ironic mess of our thoughts, and because of that I hope we can work towards it together.

I have invested my life in poetry since around the age of fourteen. Not just to its authority in the world of literature, as a means of imaginative expression for a worldwide population, or in the real world, in its ability to provide a sense of escapism for many university students, but rather how it manages to reshape and re-define the image of who a person can consider themselves to be. I would hope that I could help and give back to the art form which has helped me inn the position of Chair of Poetry.

In terms of what experience I can utilize for this role:

- I will most emphasise my passion for poetry, 

- I have been in several poetry competitions,

- I am attempting to take writing my own writing seriously, and thus hope to help many who feel the same about their own poetry, whilst also catering for those who just enjoy it as a pass time. 

- I am also attempting to intermix drama and poetry in theatrical performances of my own here in London and across the country,

If I were elected to be Chair of Poetry at UCL Writer's:

- I would give my all to provide both support to the poets of society within society itself, giving suggestions on what they could read next, or what word might better give their meaning.

- I would attempt to bring in published poets - using a budget to invite them in for talks, or even perhaps, getting them in to hold sessions themselves if money would allow.