The Reflector, Shippensburg University’s literary journal, held an open mic night in Stewart Hall on Thursday, Oct. 27, for all students to read and perform their works.
With the semester more than half over, students still have the opportunity to come out and share their personal stories, poems, songs and more at these types of events. The event was successful with almost the entire room being filled as the many performers came and displayed their art. The room was decorated with Halloween decorations like spider webs, candles and bowls full of candy to enjoy as the audience listened to the performances.
Many shared horror and thriller stories just in time for Halloween while others shared more personal stories. Senior Cyn Frazier shared her story with a poem titled “Save Me.” She said the poem explores the difficulty of trying to understand what she meant to people who are close to her. It was a piece that many could relate to and as it can be hard to know how people view others from the other side of the glass. Frazier described “a growing frustration of people inefficiently communicating.”
Another student who put their heart into the ink was first-year student Abbygale Hockenberry. Reciting a poem titled “Red Water,” she displayed vulnerability. “I’ve been consumed by my own thoughts…I fear the red water,” Hockenberry shared. She also mentioned that her poem was inspired by her struggles with mental problems.
The event was a hit that many hope will continue to give students a platform to express their feelings, opinions and inner thoughts.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.