The first time I heard spoken-word poetry was my junior year of high school. I sat in English class sixth period watching Sarah Kay's TED Talk, "If I Should Have A Daughter". Her poetry voiced the truth and clarity behind human life. For the first time, I saw poetry as a powerful medium to make sense of our world.

I'd like to say I pursued my interest in spoken-word by attempting to write poetry of my own. Well, nearly three years later, I have written half a poem. Unfortunately, I have not dedicated a lot of time to writing poetry.

With the new year starting, I have decided to make a conscious effort to write more often. Rather than force myself to write poetry or listen to spoken word, I am challenging myself to write for fifteen minutes a day. I challenge myself to write lists, describe my feelings, write about my life, write random words. Today, I am following Sarah Kay's advice to students who wish to write poetry - "Things I Know To Be True". So, here goes.

1. Writing is thinking

Sometimes taking the time to write down all of the thoughts, ideas, and emotions that clutter your mind can be as soothing as a getaway vacation.

2. Not all leaders have titles

Most of the "good guys" will never receive the recognition they deserve. Being a good, honest, genuine human being does not have a title. The heroes and leaders of our day continue to go unrecognized by society's definition of a leader. Remember to thank and appreciate those that are overlooked.

3. I am way too hard on myself

Our biggest critic is often ourselves. I blame and shame myself for each mistake. I put so much pressure on myself to live up to impossibly high expectations. I am finally trying to follow my own advice and remember that when we fail, we learn and we need to learn to grow.

4. Silence can be a blessing

We live in a world of constant commotion. We are surrounded by people, motion, and screens. We cling to our phone's notifications, afraid to miss something. Not often do we spend time in silence. Over the course of the past semester, I treasured the brief moments of silence while walking to a morning class, walking home from the library, and during late night showers. There is a certain peace and tranquility to being alone with your thoughts. Take advantage of this as often as possible.

5. The world is endlessly changing and evolving

Something is changing right this second. A new technology is being invented. Scientists are researching a cure for cancer, degenerative diseases, and diabetes. Books are written. Pictures are taken. Each second something happens, something changes and we cannot do anything about it.

6. Tough times pass

Human beings are astoundingly resilient. We adapt to each and every struggle. We are stronger than we think. We will be okay because eventually the rain clears away and the rainbow appears.

7. Education can never be taken away

8. God loves us all: I don't know why bad things happen to good people. I don't know why suffering, pain, and hardship exist in this world. I know that God loves each and every one of us. I know that through His love we can conquer anything.

9. Good cries and warm hugs can cure heartbreak

10. I can't know everything and that's okay

We live in a world of uncertainty. We don't know what is going to happen each time we leave the comfort of our home. We don't know what will happen when we quit the 9-5 job we desperately hate. We don't know what will come of that coffee date with the boy-next-door. We really don't know anything. That's the beauty of life. We have no idea what is coming our way, yet we are optimistic about the future.

11. Miracles happen

A lot of bad things happen every day. However, countless miracles occur before our eyes. Things we cannot explain each day.

12. Learning never stops

I love to read books, hear others' experiences, perform research, and travel. Each day I learn something new about myself and about the world. When we learn, we grow.