She stands, trembling on stage as words flood her mind, a mix of nerves and excitement. What starts as one performance cascades into a creative journey that builds her identity as a writer.
Senior Aashna Kapur published her debut poetry book, I Am Not a Poet, on July 23. Her collection highlights the profoundness of change and the weight that comes with growing up. It captures the trials, tribulations and beauties of adolescence.
“My book is a collection of my spoken word poems, which is why I was hesitant to publish it in the first place,” Kapur said. “But my family and friends have been encouraging me to write a book for years, so I finally gave in.”
Kapur’s love of poetry began in her middle school creative writing class and blossomed through “No Shame” performances, part of McLean’s theater department. These performances were a defining moment in her experience with poetry, allowing her to begin sharing her work with a broader audience and building the confidence to eventually share her poems with the world. They offered her a space to experiment with her writing styles that would appear throughout the book.
“I heard that she was performing at the No Shame open mics, and I think that the confidence she gained from that allowed her to perform in other venues outside of school,” said English teacher Amber Smith, one of the Theater McLean directors.
During her first year of high school, Kapur found guidance in Smith, and she acknowledges Smith at the end of the book as one of her biggest mentors.
“[Smith] was one of my biggest mentors throughout high school, and she gave me so much confidence and motivation,” Kapur said. “Even when I wasn’t in her class, I would still visit her all the time and get advice because she’s an amazing English teacher, and I really trust her as a person.”
Writing and performing poetry opened a gateway for Kapur to reflect on being a teenager and the emotions that come with it, compelling her peers to contemplate this time in their lives.
“I’m a senior, and it’s a very reflective moment in my life,” Kapur said, “During high school, we deal with more stress, more pressure, and I wanted to be able to write poetry that others can also relate to and reflect on rather than being so deeply rooted in my own personal experience.”
When writing her book, Kapur wanted to incorporate themes that other readers and artists can connect to. By dismantling cliches around artists, Kapur emphasizes inclusivity and aims to encourage creativity for all.
“One of my poems is called ‘Falling to Pieces, Artfully’ and it’s about how anyone can be an artist, even without being emotionally tortured,” Kapur said. “I feel like there’s a stereotype around poets, and I want to break it down and help others realize that anyone can be an artist.”
I Am Not a Poet communicates Kapur’s belief that writing poetry is not about labels; rather, it is about authenticity and expression. This perspective defines the way she regards her writing: as a deeply personal outlet through which she can express herself.
“Most of the time, I truly don’t feel like a poet. I see my poems less as actual poems and more as journal entries,” Kapur said. “They’re like my inner monologues.”
Writing poetry not only shares her own story, but allows her peers to feel seen and understood. With her book, Kapur motivates other students to embrace self-expression through art.
“Her book inspires [students] to put their writing out there and truly pursue their passions,” senior Alex Elders said.
In the process of writing the book, Kapur learned invaluable lessons that she will carry with her throughout her journey as a writer.
“From writing I Am Not a Poet, [I learned about] confidence and to not be so hard on yourself,” Kapur said. “Get out there, and don’t let yourself stop you.”
