In mid-April, the Aspiring Writers’ Club hosted a poetry contest for poets across the school. Writers were given a chance to write a poem on any subject of their choice and submit as many pieces as they wanted. The winner would be rewarded a $25 gift card. Over a dozen submissions were handed in and it ultimately came down to three poems picked by the club members. First prize was awarded to Freshman Marilyn Ojo.

How did you feel when you won?
I was happy of course, but mostly surprised. I know there are very talented writers/poets in this school, so I expected that someone else’s poem would be favored over mine.

A lot of people at times get nervous to share their writing with others, were you nervous?
Definitely. This is the first piece of writing that I’ve shared with others, even though I have a lot of pieces I’ve written.

What inspired you to write this poem?
The beauty of black girls, inside and out, inspired this poem.

Do you always write poems/is it a hobby of yours to write poems?
It is. It helps me get things off of my chest and relax.

Who’s your fave poet/who are some writers you look up to?
My favorite poet is Shihan. He’s performed several times on Def Jam Poetry, and I love the way he delivers his poems.

Do you have a favorite poetry book?
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur.

What was the inspiration behind this poem?
I was inspired by all the carefree, beautiful black girls at this school to write this poem.

Were you trying to spread a certain message with this poem?
Yes, I wanted to emphasize that there’s so much beauty in a black girl’s style and the way she carries herself that many others just don’t seem to recognize.

Did you always like writing?
Always.

Is this your first time winning something because of your writing?
Yes, especially since this is the first writing contest I’ve ever entered.

Do you have a message for the readers?

To my black girls, love yourself. You’re amazing.