Editorial: Use Your Voice
Submitting to the Buchtelite had a huge impact on me – and it could have an impact on you too – submit to the 2023 Voice of the Student edition or join the paper.
June 28, 2023
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I write about my experiences as a sexual assault survivor.
I wrote my first poem in May of 2012, and I now have thousands of poems in my head and hundreds written down.
Until recently, had only shared my poetry online, anonymously. This year, I began sharing the poems on my public social media platforms. This was a big step for me.
You must understand that these are poems I never thought I would share with the world. Who would want to see such dark, sad words?
I figured it was too ugly to share; I have never been so wrong.
If you told me six months ago that I would have submitted my poetry for our school newspaper, performed my spoken word not once but twice, and won three awards, my jaw would have dropped to the floor.
I have never done anything like this.
At the end of March, I decided to take a risk and submit my poetry to The Buchtelite, with the intent of being able to say I took an opportunity.
I did not expect anything further. My poetry is dark and sad, and it was the only way I could use my voice as a sexual assault survivor. Despite that, I thought it was important for my voice to be heard, so others wouldn’t feel so alone.
For a long time, I thought I was (alone).
After submitting my work, I received positive feedback from the paper advisor and the editorial team. They worked with me to not only publish a single poem, but to create a full spread featuring my work in the Spring 2023 print edition.
That experience was staggering. I knew it was happening, but it didn’t really set in until I saw it with my own eyes. My words were laid in a display that took my breath away. I know my poetry is powerful, but I never truly felt powerful until this moment.
The paper advisor recommended that I submit my work to some additional places including the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences Celebration of Research and Creativity, and for the Ben Auburn Award in Cultural Criticism.
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Running with the confidence from having my work published, I went forward and submitted to both opportunities.
I have a fear of public speaking, and the BCAS Celebration of Research and Creativity was the first time I read my words in front of an audience. The initial thought of being so vulnerable in front of a room full of strangers was really intimidating, but once I got up there it felt natural and like I was meant to be up there.
There was something so powerful about reclaiming the power and control that had been taken away from me.
I received an award for the top spoken word poetry at the celebration.
Flash forward to the Auburn Awards, which still leaves me speechless.
I felt more pressure presenting at the Auburn Awards symposium, because it was more of a formal event. Seven students were selected from a pool of 30 submissions to present.
I also felt increased pressure because I wanted my message to be heard far and wide.
I was intimidated as I began to share my w
ork, but it came naturally the more I spoke and the more I felt heard.
When the time came to announce winners, they said my name. It felt extremely shocking and almost like a dream.
I knew that my words were powerful to me, and meant something to me, but I didn’t realize how many people’s lives they might impact just by getting up there and sharing.
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I recommend finding the courage to share your words. You may experience what it feels like to be heard and understood.
There was one experience that I wasn’t expecting and that was being invited to the banquet for UA’s student media outlets. I received a beautiful glass award for outstanding creative contribution.
It was a humbling and inviting experience, and for once, I felt like I belonged somewhere.
If you take anything from my little story, let it be these two things:
First, if you are suffering or struggling, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you are not alone.
Second, take the risk.
I’m happy to announce I have accepted the position of opinion editor with The Buchtelite for the 23-24 school year, and I urge you all to take the risk.
Share your creative work. Share your writing. Share your ideas.
Learn more about joining The Buchtelite here.
Thank you.
Marla LeNeo • Jul 21, 2023 at 12:32 AM
Emily, you have a bright and inspiring spirit. As a fellow poet, I know it is not always easy to boldly share the truth poetically with the world. Your story has lent me courage and I wish you blessings. Congratulations on your success at The Buchtelite and beyond!