Sigma Tau Delta holds poetry reading

Troy University’s chapter of  Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society, held a poetry reading session for students to share some of their well-known or original poems.

Students didn't have to be well-versed in poetry to know good writing when they heard it.

The poetry reading saw both familiar and unfamiliar faces presenting pieces that meant something to the presenters. Sigma Tau Delta’s faculty sponsor, Professor Anna Orlofsky, said she was surprised at the diversity of students and poetry.

"We had a lot of readers, some of our club members, but quite a few people who aren't a member of Sigma Tau Delta that got up and shared poetry too,” Orlofsky said. “One of the highlights is always when students present their original work, so that for me is always at the top."

Sigma Tau Delta holds a lot of different readings throughout the year, most of which involve students reading prose from the pros, but secretary and treasurer Michelle Perez, a senior English major from Tampa, Florida, said poetry is a different circumstance.

"I was really surprised by the couple originals we had,” Perez said. “I think if anything, the poetry [reading] is the one where students will bring original work."

Students didn't have to write poetry to enjoy it. Plenty of students brought some of their favorite classics to read as well.

"I didn't love poetry until I got to college, and I took more classes about it and got to appreciate it more,” Perez said. “However, I fell in love with it when I took a class maybe my freshman or sophomore year, but I usually enjoy just reading it more than writing it."

For some students, it may not be lack of interest that stops them from attending. Often, many people experience stage fright or embarrassment at the thought of reciting to a group. Sigma Tau Delta's president Hailey Alcathie, a senior English education major from Daphne, Alabama, said this fear is not forever.

"I think it's hard to get up there in front of people you're not comfortable with, but since we put on so many of these events, I kind of feel like I know who I'm looking at whenever I'm speaking to everybody,” Alcathie said. “It doesn't seem as scary anymore, but it definitely seems scary at the beginning."

The event was held in celebration of April being National Poetry Month. To stay up-to-date with Sigma Tau Delta events, follow them on Instagram @troysigmataudelta.