There is no single way to experience pain, and there is no rulebook for how someone should heal. Everybody has their own story and unique way to express themselves, which is why it is good to have a variety of voices that provide different perspectives and creative outlets.
Around 30 students gathered in the Memorial Union on April 7 to hear Ichabods Speak Out and share their experiences through poetry. Booths from organizations such as the Young Women’s Christian Association and Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity were also present to provide resources and copies of books called “Kansas Speaks Out: Poems in the Age of Me, Too.”
Every April since 2017, Dennis Etzel Jr., senior English lecturer, and Jericho Hockett, psychology professor and director of assessment, have hosted events to raise awareness and shed light on difficult issues. They said the campus readings provide a safe, supportive space for survivors to share their experiences, sometimes using prompts tied to awareness months, such as using the teal color for Sexual Assault Awareness Month to inspire writing.
Etzel Jr. and Hockett emphasized that poetry is a personal and flexible form of expression that fosters connection and reflection among writers and listeners. Etzel Jr. noted that growing up with awareness of these issues and participating in poetry and open mic helped him heal and find his voice.
A group of readers shared their poems, delivering powerful messages about the realities of toxic relationships. Tyler Naquin, Vice President of Recruitment for Sigma Lambda Gamma’s Tau Zeta chapter, read, “If you have to beg, then you are begging the wrong person,” while another shared, “I never wanted it, I never asked for it, but he said it was my gift.”
Remington Beard-Alvarado, a junior psychology major and a member of URGE, shared a piece of a poem by poet Janette LeBlanc to convey a message that included everyone: there is no perfect survivor, and anyone could be affected.
Beard-Alvarado wanted to remind survivors that they are not alone and support is available across campus. She offered advice to those who may want to share their story but feel afraid.
“Your own journey is going to run its course, taking care of yourself is the most important thing. Find those resources that you can lean on and those people that you can lean on as well. So for sure take your time,” Beard-Alvarado said.
Frances Knudsen, a junior psychology major, said her class invited her to the event and that gatherings like these can be very helpful in the healing process, especially when focused on empowerment and recognizing the traumas people have experienced. She also added that the poems provide an opportunity for others to better understand what survivors go through even if they have not experienced it themselves.
When asked which poem stood out to her the most, Knudsen said the first poem that addressed sexual trauma. The poem was read by Tyler Naquin, who has previously participated in Ichabods Speak Out for domestic violence. It explored the impact of sexual trauma and moved toward a moment of reflection that suggested a path to healing.
“It kind of led to a more bright side at the end of it, which I liked. I think that’s very empowering,” Knudsen said.
The event concluded with a simple but powerful message: “No need is too small.” Attendees learned about counseling services offered by Washburn, YWCA, and URGE including hotline numbers, online support, and office hours. Students then visited the booths, leaving with books and other resources to take with them.
Edited by Bidhya Sapkota and Stuti Khadka
