BY ALICIA FEYERHERM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Poet Laureate, a new position announced in the Fall of 2020, is open for all full-time undergraduate students from any major. As Poet Laureate, the student works to bring poetry into the community through outreach events and is awarded a $500 stipend for the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLike a phoenix rising out of the ashes of 2020, this new program gave us hope,\u201d FHSU English Instructor Linda Smith said. \u201cMany of my colleagues were teaching online for the first time and everybody was so bummed. This gave us hope and excitement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Smith, the position was Instructor Linda McHenry\u2019s \u201cbaby.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe rest of us encouraged her to run with the baby,\u201d Smith said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to basic background information, applicants are required to submit: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the initial application, the selection committee (composed of professor Brett Weaver, professor Lanee Young, professor Morgan Chalfant and Smith), decide which applicants they want to invite to interview. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe look for someone who has a passion for language,\u201d Smith said. \u201cI think that precedes everything else. It\u2019s not just a mild interest. It\u2019s not just a hobby, it\u2019s someone who really finds personal meaning and fulfillment in language.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith stressed that this position is open to all majors. For example, the current Poet Laureate, Jacob Buckman, is a philosophy major. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of different way people can express themselves,\u201d Buckman said. \u201cI think people who aren\u2019t in the humanities ought to reach out and give this a go because being a Poet Laureate is something anyone can do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buckman himself did not have an extensive background in poetry when he applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t really have a history with formal poetry,\u201d Buckman said. \u201cI\u2019ve dabbled a lot in limericks and funny joke poetry. I just think that sort of thing is a good self expression for people who may be uncomfortable expressing themselves in a really deep, emotional way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his tenure as Poet Laureate, Buckman has hosted several events, including blackout poetry and magnet poetry. However, at the end of the day, Buckman said the goal is to connect the poetry community no matter what form that takes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re poetry people hanging out with other poetry people doing poetry stuff,\u201d Buckman said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buckman said the new Poet Laureate will have a lot of freedom to design programs they are passionate about. The Poet Laureate mentor, Chalfant, works with the Poet Laureate in the planning process and Buckman said he is very supportive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhatever you have in mind, he\u2019ll make it happen,\u201d Buckman said. \u201cThey\u2019re really good about helping you achieve what you want to achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith echoed this sentiment, saying the position is what the student makes it and that no two Poet Laureates are the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so important that anyone who gets into this position realizes that they are in the position because we seek that fresh voice, that different perspective and that unique ability to engage others in ways that many of us cannot,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buckman urges students to consider applying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s any good reason not to,\u201d Buckman said. \u201cIt is such an honor and unique opportunity to express yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n