Students had an opportunity to share their poetry at the Poetry Loung Slam on October 7, 2011. | Tyler Otte/THE CHIMES

Biola’s biannual Poetry Lounge was held on Friday, Oct. 7 in the Library Courtyard from 7 to 9 p.m. Heralding its 11th year, the event was subtitled “The Slam Edition: Speak Up and Speak Out.” This event is put on by Multicultural Relations, inviting people of all backgrounds to come and share their stories, thoughts, passions and testimonies through the common bond of words.

Participating students were given points on a scale of one to 10 by three judges who were established in the worlds of poetry and writing. Associated Students MCR chair Nancy Davong, and senior Alexis Hinton coordinated and planned this soulful event.

The event featured eight poets, three rounds and pieces three minutes or under in length. The winner of the event was freshman Esmeralda Barcena, one of only two females among the eight poets, who received accolades from her peers as well as the prize of a one hour session with one of the judges. During the session they will instruct her on how to progress in the use of her God-given talent of spoken word.