Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mind and Hearth, illuminated by the subtle lighting of the popular, quaint cafe, students gather together with one thing on their minds: Poetry and Pie. 

“Poetry and Pie” was an eventful night hosted by Westminster Round that consisted of reading students’ favorite poetry and indulging in many flavors of pie. The on-campus event hosted by Westminster Round gave students the opportunity to share some of their favorite poems and even poems they wrote themselves.  

About a quarter of the forty plus students that attended the event presented poems, many of which were written originally. The event displayed Whitworth students’ deep appreciation for poetry. What is it about poetry that brings Whitworth students together in such a meaningful way?  

Senior Kate Vaccaro, the president of Westminster Round, was involved in organizing the event and shares a common perspective with others who appreciate poetry. Her love for poetry is centered around its creative ability to “share experiences and the meaning behind the words.” 

Vaccaro said that events like “Poetry and Pie,” provide a comfortable space for students to share their poems because poetry can be “kind of a vulnerable thing.” Her highlight from the evening and greatest enjoyment about poetry reading is getting to hear the poems written by students.  

Poetry’s ability to convey someone’s experience and emotions is a common reason why students find it so appealing. Elena Vigil, a junior, said that when it comes to poetry “the words have a way of making someone feel seen.” It’s a medium of relating and expressing oneself where ordinary writing may sometimes lack in ability.  

Vaccaro and Vigil shared similar sentiments towards poetry with other English majors who attended the event. Second year English major, Rylee Lupton, also expresses her appreciation for poetry in that it has a creative way of conveying different meanings for different people.  

A core part of Whitworth University is its sense of community among students. A necessary part of creating that community is having something to bring students together which they can all share and relate to. “Poetry and Pie” helps accomplish this sense of community by giving students the opportunity to share and partake in poetry.