The Writing and Communication Center has organized their fourth annual poetry contest.  

All submissions for this contest are due by Monday, Nov. 27. At 11:59 P.M. All AU students and staff can participate, and top submissions receive prizes.  

“Where I’m From” poems have become more widely known across K-12 fields. Senior Coach Gabe Del Valle was the first person who proposed the idea of holding this contest. He took charge of organizing judges and promoting this contest.  

The WCC holds this contest to allow students to show off their writing skills. Mohsine Bensaid, director of the WCC, stated, “The contest serves as a unique platform for celebrating students’ diversity, personal histories, and cultural heritage through the art of poetry.” It shows the WCC commitment to allowing students to voice their own opinions. Bensaid added “It also highlights the WCC’s commitment to supporting students holistically, valuing their creativity and personal growth alongside academic success.”  

The WCC is organized full-time by staff. Some of the jobs the staff acquire are director, associate director, and administrative assistant. The WCC is promoted by student’s media coordinator employed by an AU student.  

The Writing and Communication Center also plans to share the contest later next semester with AU’s correctional education students.  

AU students submitting to this contest can expect a chance to dive into creative writing, explore imagery, and personal expression. Bensaid stated, “this is an opportunity to reflect deeply on students’ own stories and how these have influenced their identities.” This contest can provide insight into each student’s writing and show what a creative process can look like.  

The WCC also organized other events like The Composition Contest in collaboration with ACN, The Haiku Contest in collaboration with COBE, and The Lucille Ford Public Speaking Contest.  

The Writing and Communication Center is on the first floor of the library. Appointments can be made at https://ashland.mywconline.com/schedule2.php?scheduleid=sc64baca8d4bd29