Going to the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! — Meet Jency

Written by Kristen Miano
Digital Media Intern

Jency M., a fifth grader at Barnard Elementary School, has never been to New York City. But when she takes on the Big Apple on April 13 for the 9th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!, she already knows where she wants to go.

“The Statue of Liberty,” Jency said. “And the One Direction store!”

Jency will be joining a group of young poets from America SCORES affiliates across the nation when she takes to the stage next month to perform the poem that won her first place at the Westside DC SCORES Poetry Slam! in December.

The poem, which addresses issues of bullying and the importance of staying true to one’s self, is based on Jency’s own experiences at school.

“At school, I see a lot of people, like, changing their outfits to be more like other people,” she said.

Jency started writing poetry thanks to her grandfather, who she said was a “poetry man.” When her mother learned that DC SCORES offered poetry and self-expression sessions in addition to a soccer program, she encouraged Jency to get involved because she knew her daughter enjoyed both of those things.

“I like writing poetry because you can express your feelings in writing and other people can read it,” Jency said, “It doesn’t need to rhyme either — you just need to be you.”

When she performed her poem at the Slam!, Jency said she was pretty nervous.

“There were so many people, and you don’t know what they’re saying about your poem,” she said. “I had butterflies in my stomach, especially when they called my name [when I won].”

Jency said the support of her friends, classmates and teachers helped her to get over her nerves. Though she says she’s also pretty nervous about the National SLAM!, she’s really excited for the trip to New York and all of the planned activities. Oh, and for one other thing, too.

“The pizza,” Jency said, “Definitely the pizza.”

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Stayed tuned for more updates about the America SCORES Poetry SLAM! In New York April 13 as we follow Jency and poet No. 2 (revealed soon) on their journey to the national stage.