“I am not entertainment. I am alchemy and it is no fault of my own if you find yourself entertained,” said poet Jonathan White.

Student programs and campus engagement, also known as SPACE, hosted an open-mic slam poetry event at Richland Campus. Students and staff alike are invited to express their creative minds and network with other artists within Dallas College.

It can consist of high-volume intensity or low-volume energies. Competition is within yourself. To get out there and express your feelings, express your literature. Because that’s the first step in competition, is competing with yourself,” said SPACE Coordinator, Marcus Miranda.

Slam poetry creates a space for people to share their opinions and experiences through their artistry.

“It just makes me feel as though I can express myself. Sometimes you have, like, thoughts that are maybe controversial or anxiety building. And through poetry you can express it to the point where others are apt to listen to you,” said White.

“I though I was going to freeze up, but once I stepped in front of people, it just became really easy,” said poetry slam winner, Fenix. “This is not a love poem, but I’m here to say, ‘I love you.'”

Events that bring people together and display student interests are planned and hosted by students within SPACE at every Dallas College campus.

“Hopefully, we will have another,” Miranda said.