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At age seven, my life changed after reading a poem called "The Voice" by Shel Silverstein [1]. That moment was transformative because I realized I had autonomy. I discovered something within myself that no one else could take away: my voice.

Poetry became an outlet to express myself, turning my thoughts into words. Words became my first love. Though there was never an official wedding, I vowed to use them for good, through better and worse.

Emotional Empowerment Through Poetry

Through good times and bad, poetry empowers me. It provides a safe place to go when my emotions feel too big to hold. It brings me peace when I feel so happy that I want to shout my feelings at the sky. And it grounds me when my mind becomes tangled with too many thoughts to sort through.

Emotions aren't always as straightforward as our language implies; sometimes, they're more like a weather report. You might say you feel happy, but "mostly sunny" might be a more accurate description. Or maybe you don't exactly feel sad, so "foggy" would capture it better. On days when my emotions feel like this, I turn to poetry.

The Sparks of Creativity

When I'm particularly overwhelmed, I search online for a poetry prompt that resonates with me. Then, I do my best to release any negativity I'm experiencing. In moments like these, poetry gives me the power to transform my internal atmosphere. A few stanzas can turn an emotional storm into a lightning show: something electric and captivating.

There are also days when I feel so happy it's like I'm carrying a tiny (but intense) ball of sunshine. I might want to set it down somewhere, but I need to find a safe place to put it. This is where poetry grants me the power of peace, knowing that my happiness is preserved on paper.

What excites me even more than this peace of mind is the opportunity to share that happiness with someone else. I feel powerful knowing my big feelings can bring light to someone who needs the positivity.

Power through Purpose and Expression

Of course, we've all had days when we felt like we were carrying a ball of sunshine while a storm raged inside our heads. For me, this feels like my mind is knotted, and I'm not sure how to untangle it. Although this can leave me feeling powerless, I pick up my pen and let the words do the rest.

One word at a time, one sentence at a time, I untangle my thoughts like strings in a ball of yarn. And my poetry is the sweater I knit from those strings. I create something useful, something meaningful. That creation makes me feel powerful and purposeful.

Find Your Creative Outlet

Whether it's poetry, music, acting, or sports, I believe it's essential for everyone to have a creative outlet that makes them feel powerful. There's a common misconception that you must be "good" at something to enjoy it. In reality, the practice of self-expression is more important than the final product.

I hope this blog inspires you to find your voice through a creative outlet. Everyone deserves the power of autonomy and self-expression, especially in moments when we would otherwise feel powerless.

[1] Silverstein, Shel. Where the Sidewalk Ends. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.

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College is full of new experiences: a new sense of freedom, many new responsibilities, and (for some) a new place to live. Whether you met your college roommate(s) in high school, or they were assigned to you by your school, there are several things that you can do to ensure the success of your roommate relationship(s). With clear communication, compromise, and patience, living away from home will bring you lifelong memories and lasting friendships.

It is important to remember that one of the most important aspects of going to college is meeting new people, and that starts with whom you live. Read on for advice on how to communicate to prevent problems before they escalate, plus a real-world example and testimony of a conflict encountered by roommates and how it was resolved.

Set Expectations and Boundaries

One of the most important pieces of advice for new roommates is this: don’t force a friendship. It is necessary to have time away from the person that you are living with as well as time that you will spend together in your dorm or apartment. Whether you have known your roommate for years or you are meeting them for the first time, remember that memories take time and come naturally. Along with spending time apart, be respectful when spending time together. Set clear boundaries early on and make respect a priority. It is super fun to live with someone, and it can be a bond like no other, but no matter what you must remember to respect each other’s time, belongings, and privacy.

Resolve Conflicts Through Communication

In my time with my freshman year roommate, we only encountered one conflict together. While I was taking a nap, my roommate left to take a shower (we had communal bathrooms). I woke up from my nap to a text from a friend asking if I’d like to join them for lunch. I failed to notice the fact that my roommate’s clothes were on her bed, and I left and locked the door. Because I was napping when she left, she didn’t bring her key with her and was locked out in her shower robe. I received a call from a neighbor explaining that I needed to get back to the dorm, and I quickly returned and unlocked the door. My roommate didn’t speak to me for three days, which also upset me because I felt that I hadn’t totally been in the wrong. After a very uncomfortable (yet temporary) silent treatment, we had a conversation where we apologized to each other and agreed that we had both been at fault. She bought a cute whiteboard to put on our door so that we could write on it if one of us was just leaving the room for a moment, and we each agreed to take our keys with us anytime we left the room.

Your roommates are going to be the people who are there for you when no one else is. Literally, they are the ones who are physically there. Depending on the person, it may even feel like they are there even when you may not want them to be. Remember this: it is totally normal to get annoyed by little things or feel like you need time to yourself. It is okay to ask for 30 minutes alone, and it is also okay to invite them to get lunch with you! The most important thing in any relationship is communication. Focus on the good and talk about how you can resolve the not-so-good together.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –ÌýÌýto pitch your idea and get started!