In a school filled with busy schedules and academic pressure, students at times lack the ability to be creative and write from the soul. Oftentimes, students worry about academic writing from class to class instead of taking a moment to muse about life, art, and feelings. This is the space the poetry club is opening, a space where students can take a break and show their creativity.
UACHS’ poetry club has become a place where it is less about giving perfect verses and more about giving students the opportunity to find a voice they have not been given the opportunity to find.
School counselor Marlene Martinez-Camilo who recently took over the club took over because of a personal passion for both English and creativity and the desire to give students a safe place where they can express what they enjoy freely.
“Poetry has always been a powerful outlet for emotions, thoughts, and personal experiences,” said Martinez-Camilo. “I believe students need a safe and creative space where they can express themselves freely.”
Allowing students enough openness to express themselves, defines the overall mission Martinez- Camilo plans to achieve. Instead of focusing on poetry itself, the group is seeking for students to explore multiple forms of expression like poems, short stories, songs, drawing, and even painting.
Martinez- Camilo explained that she wants to help students develop their voices while giving them an opportunity to gain self confidence and understand what it is like to be a part of a community who enjoys what you enjoy.
“I want students to embrace creativity on different platforms,” said Martinez- Camilo. “I want to help them find and develop their voice, encourage self-expression, build confidence in writing and speaking, and create a sense of community and connection.”
She has big plans for the future of the club and hopes to have weekly meetings, trips, and hopefully publish the work of students after obtaining new members.
“I want to expand student awareness,” said Martinez- Camilo. “I will do this by inviting new students to join and sharing our work with the school community.”
For Martinez- Camilo one of the most rewarding parts about this club has been watching students become more comfortable and open.
“Getting to know the students on a different level as well as sharing their creative side and having an overall conversation about their interests and what they would like to see in the poetry club is what makes the experience meaningful,” said Martinez- Camilo.
The Poetry club is currently open to all students regardless of grade, so if you are creative or have an interest in becoming more creative find your way to the poetry club, meetings happen weekly after school on Tuesdays.
