Harvard College is home this year to one current and two former National Youth Poet Laureates, according to a March 16 article. Evan Wang, the current laureate, along with Salome Agbaroji and Alyssa Gaines, both former laureates, discussed how their experiences at Harvard have shaped their poetry and personal development.
The presence of these poets highlights the role of creative expression in student life at Harvard. Their stories show how poetry can be both a personal outlet and a way to connect with broader communities.
Wang said he writes late at night in his dorm room, always considering how his words will sound when performed. “When I’m prepping for a performance, I think of ways that I can accentuate certain aspects of the poem,” Wang said. “I really want to have fluctuation; it should never be monotone. Which word you choose to stress within the poem redefines the meaning.” He began writing seriously after a spoken word piece about racial microaggressions received positive attention in his school district. Wang’s debut chapbook is set for release next month, and he has collaborated on projects such as a choral piece scheduled for premiere by the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia.
Agbaroji emphasized that poetry is accessible to everyone. “This is an art form that is so democratic and generalizable,” Agbaroji said. “You don’t need a recording studio, you don’t need a film crew, you literally just need your brain and the words.” She is currently working on an album combining spoken word poetry and music. Reflecting on her time balancing academics with her role as laureate, she described it as a “balancing act,” sometimes missing campus events due to her commitments but gaining unique experiences like visiting the White House.
Gaines shared that after taking time away from poetry during college to explore other interests, she realized she could not live without writing. “I realized that I love writing, and I don’t see a life without it. I think poetry is always a part of the way I think about the world,” Gaines said. Her recent work explores themes such as migration and memory while drawing inspiration from poets including June Jordan and Tracy K. Smith.
All three poets are involved in various campus organizations related to arts and culture. Their reflections suggest that Harvard continues to foster an environment where students can pursue artistic passions alongside academic goals.
