By Christine Garcia
In hallways filled with buzzing noise and chaos, sophomore Katelyn Tran finds peace in the gentle whispers of poetry. With nothing but a computer and a limitless imagination, she embarks on a journey of storytelling. Even on a computer screen, Tran’s way with words radiates warmth and human connection, as if she were close.
For Tran, poetry is more than just a hobby — it is a creative outlet. Her passion for written prose grew when she was young, propelling her toward a new interest. In particular, she found time to hone her skills on paper, when she was a seventh-grade student during the COVID-19 lockdown. On her walks home from school, she felt inspired by nature when she observed her surroundings. From clouds to stars, Tran puts ink to paper appreciating the life around her.
“There is so much beauty around us and we don’t recognize it enough or at least I know I don’t,“ Tran said. “It really grounds me in remembering what’s important.”
Her collection of poems holds great impact. From verses about life and nature, Tran uses indulgent lines and beautiful stanzas. In her pieces, she observes life in an insightful way that can move others.
“In autumn’s wake comes winter’s eve / And ashen tendrils trees become / The sunshine swiftly takes its leave / With roaring winds’ fearful drum,” Tran writes.
As a result, Tran’s continuous drive for poetry set her in motion toward success in annual PTSA poetry competitions. Tran reached first place twice as well as second place in eighth and ninth grade.
However, for Tran, the true measure of success lies in the culmination of her self-growth. In her writing, Tran feels more honest with herself because writing poetry helps with her development in writing and self-expression.
“I’m most proud of the self-growth that comes with all,” Tran said. “I’m kind of just letting it ride itself.”
To many, poems are just words structured with rhyming lines and rhythm, but to Tran, they are the mirror of the human soul. She believes that poetry is a bridge to the gap between the differences between others, allowing for people to be heard.
“Everyone’s own experiences allow you to interpret it [poetry] differently and you relive that experience, you share those experiences and feelings with the author,” Tran said.
In addition to different poetry methods, Tran believes that the most important aspects of poetry are the author’s reflection on feelings and the features of different experiences within the stanzas.
“They [great poets] say so much with so little. I think that’s the number one thing with poetry,’’ Tran said.
As for the future of the young poet, Tran is open to seeing where the journey will take her. She dreams of going to graduate school and publishing her poetry to share her stories with the public. No matter where life takes her, Tran will continue to pen her dreams onto paper, one stanza at a time.
