<p>Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?</p>
<p>When I was nine years old, I decided to write my mother a poem for Christmas. I waited until the family came over, presented it to them, and received a standing ovation. Regardless of the reasons of their enthusiasm towards my poem being the quality of the poem, or how adorable i looked while presenting it, their applause inspired me that day. Out of excitement, I made a promise to my mother that I would write her a poem every week about whatever she wanted. I somewhat kept that promise by writing a poem every week, but not always about what she wanted. During freshman year, I wrote my first spoken word piece and found it to be completely different than anything I have written. I had trouble being emotional. I never felt comfortable discussing the way I felt and I did not enjoy opening myself up to being vulnerable with others. This didn’t mean I was emotionless, it just meant i needed to find another way to express how I felt. Spoken word was that other way. I realized that it didn't matter whether I performed my pieces in front of others or not, because either way, I gathered my thoughts and emotions, let them out on paper, and was able to move on. It was the most beautiful and exhilarating way to release the sadness and distress that had been caged up inside of me. It also allowed me to discover aspects of my character i had no idea existed. I never knew I could stand up in front of a crowd and be comfortable, and I discovered my passion for women’s rights and racial rights through spoken word, and the best part, is through it you have power. Performing a moving piece has the power to allow the listener to tap into the speaker’s mind and feel what the speaker feels. I felt like I had the power to change individuals’ opinions or at least open their minds up to see another side of a story. Writing made me proud of myself. I was proud that i was capable of producing something powerful, creative, and artistic. I delight in sharing my thoughts, opinions, and ideas with others and I am forever appreciative of this talent I hold.</p>