🏀 My Journey as a Poet

Back in 2021, when I was still a student at Northside Christian Academy in Charlotte, NC, something incredible happened—my poem Basketball was selected for publication in the Expression Poetry Collection by the American Library of Poetry. I was only 15 at the time, and to be honest, I didn’t fully grasp how big of a deal it was. But looking back now, at 19, I realize that moment was a turning point.

Basketball wasn’t just about the sport—it was about rhythm, motion, and the way the game mirrors life. I poured my energy into every line, trying to capture the adrenaline, the teamwork, and the personal drive that basketball demands. I didn’t expect it to resonate beyond my school, but the fact that it was chosen for a national collection meant that my words had impact.

Being published gave me confidence—not just in my writing, but in my voice. It showed me that creativity can open doors, and that even as a teenager, I had something worth saying. I still write today, and while my style has evolved, I’ll always remember Basketball as the poem that started it all.