HoCoPoLitSo is proud to support the Open Mic Teen Reading Series. The event’s organizers are Suhani Khosla and Rebecca Ledger, rising seniors at Atholton High School who share a passion for literature and poetry. They pursue this interest by organizing creative writing events at school.  With this open mic event, Suhani and Rebecca hope to bring together middle and high school students to share their literary talents with the community. A variety of pieces can be shared, ranging from short stories to poetry. The organizers hope that in light of current events, this event will provide a safe environment and an outlet for creative expression for young poets and writers.

The format is an Open Mic, and participants should RSVP by emailing khoslasuhani@gmail.com and rebecca14122002@yahoo.fr before July 17th. The first reading will take place on July 17th at 7pm.  Google Meet code: meet.google.com/btd-fokf-gqc.

Get to know our organizers, Suhani and Rebecca:

S: I write to express myself and explore a creative outlet.

R: I use writing as an escape from every day life. I find writing to be a sanctuary for me.

S: People who usually first see my writing are my family members and friends, and also some people who are willing to look over and edit.

R: My cousin, who is also my best friend, reads the first of my writing.

S: When I prepare to write, I listen to music and start drafting at night. I look over what I wrote in the morning to finalize.

R: I usually write in my room late at night or when I have any down time. I usually listen to music or sometimes even audio recordings of poems to channel my creativity.

S: I read 1984 by George Orwell three times. I really liked Orwell and Huxley’s work, or any dystopian novel.

R: I read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee twice. It’s one of my favorite books and to this day. I still sometimes flip back to my favorite passages.

S: To bring  the community together during these rough times. Poetry can help with expressing concerns and opinions in a safe environment.

R: To give people the opportunity to express themselves through poetry, especially in these difficult times.