By Elizabeth Coss
Youngstown State University has a new organization on its campus. The Poetry Club has started this semester with the attempt to help with engagement in reading, writing and enjoying poetry in all its forms.
Emily Vero, a sophomore integrated language arts major, started the club after noticing a lack of one at the university.
“I just wanted this to be a safe space for people to share work of their own or share work of another that they like, and really just build a community around a special interest — which is poetry,” Vero said.
She also plans on using the club as an opportunity to accomplish some philanthropic goals.
“I want to host a book drive to donate books to maybe the Rescue Mission or local shelters around here,” Vero said.
Freshman linguistics and American Sign Language double major Jiana Gearo said she has wanted the club for a long time and looks forward to using the club as a creative outlet.
“You have the ability to get creative and do what it is you love to do,” she said.
Gearo also said one of the types of poetry she hopes to express in the club is spoken word.
“Spoken word is more like writing poetry that is more on social justice issues and things you’re passionate about,” Gearo said. “It defies the laws of what you think about poetry.”
Junior psychology major Anthony DePascale joined the club as a way to get into more leadership positions while trying something new and he hopes other students will join too.
“I think we’ve already established a pretty good community. I’m pretty sure we have at least 10 to 20 students who are interested,” DePascale said. “You can just come and listen and see if you enjoy it.”
The club is still working on a meeting time and location but plans to have one set soon. For students interested in reaching out or joining the organization, reach out through any of the Poetry Club’s social media pages.
