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As a child, I was solitary-- words were my best companions. Books fascinated me, and I longed to be one of the lucky souls with the talent to mold language like clay, to create worlds that rose from the page, to leave images in the mind of the reader that resonate. The creative process is still the most exciting for me, but I recognize that there exist other aspects of being a Poet that must be acknowledged, namely the desire to continue learning and have an outlet for my work, and the chance to utilize my knowledge through teaching.
David Hassler was a visitor to the Cleveland School of the Arts, where I was a high school writing student. I recall that my teacher, Jonathan Fairman, reminded me of David's connection to the Wick Poetry Center and Kent State when I was a senior applying to universities. I'll admit that the idea of an entire organization devoted to supporting the literary arts situated on campus certainly helped sway my decision to attend Kent instead of another college. I believe I made the right choice. Aside from the writing classes I've taken with Alice Cone and Kat Blackbird, the most influential class I've taken has been the Teaching Poetry course with David Hassler. That class gave me the opportunity to connect with classmates who share my passion for words, and to learn the art of teaching. It was such a privilege to lead classes with my partners and watch as the students connected with the poetry as they created their own, and to share the stage with the children and my fellow colleagues at the end of the semester during Giving Voice.
In addition, I've attended three workshops led by Sophia Kartsonis, Anna Leahy, and Djelloul Marbrook-- the most recent first book authors. How exciting to have a week each year devoted to Poetry: attending the readings at night, and congregating during the day to hone our craft and create, learning from each other and ourselves. And how wonderful to receive unique insight into the life of a writer from each author. My writing has really benefitted from what I've learned and absorbed during those open exchanges. And, each year I look forward to seeing the latest chapbook series; in reading them I always find sources of inspiration, which led me to submit my own manuscript last year. The simple act of completing my manuscript left me with such an enormous sense of accomplishment. I cherish the chance to explore what it means to be a writer.
Truly, I'm proud to be affiliated with the Wick Poetry Center in any way. I am grateful to the Wick family and everyone involved with the Wick Poetry Center for doing such wonderful work in support of writers and the writing community for the last 25 years.
Natasha L. Rodriguez
EMAIL: nrodrig2@kent.edu
BLOG: Bird of Paradise
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