By Molly Mills
Grand Rapids Community College’s Language Arts Lab and Display Magazine hosted its first Open Mic Night event on the fifth floor of Cook Hall on Wednesday for students to read their poetry or other works of writing.
Attendees were greeted with pizza, snacks and drinks during the event. Approximately 40 students were in attendance at the open mic night to listen to the poetry and readings other students shared on stage. Due to its success in their first year, organizers hope to bring the event to GRCC in the future.
Taylor Mallay, one of the organizers of the event, was pleased with the turnout of open mic night and the creativity it showcased.
“This is a good way to encourage students to show their talent and to be inspired by each other,” Mallay said. “Not to just focus on academics, they can be creative.”
Many students and faculty dropped by and enjoyed the food and poetry. Because of its casual setting, students were able to come and go as they pleased. Students who chose to read shared poems, short stories and songs during Open Mic Night.
Cassie Daisy, a student who attended open mic night, appreciated the writing shared by students and was happy to attend the event.
“It was all very different, not just poetry,” Daisy said. “There was short stories and music. It was great.”
