Shelby Faulkner
Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel daunting. But for Shelby Faulkner, stepping out of her comfort zone led to a new passion and life goal.
Faulkner, a Rogers High School graduate, was diagnosed with a speech impediment when she was young so she was afraid to speak publicly. In Fall 2015 while attending Bowling Green State University, she heard about a talent show. “I made a promise to myself that I would face my fears and do the talent show anyways,” she said.
With just two days to write and memorize a poem, Faulkner didn’t know where to start. She went online, asked for suggestions and met Will The Spacekid. The two co-wrote a poem titled “Dedications” for the talent show. “During that performance, I felt something powerful move through my body and I felt like I finally knew my purpose for the first time,” she said. After the show, she booked poetry nights around the area to keep her momentum going and truly fell in love with poetry.
The theatre transfer pathway student is in her first year at Owens Community College. Just two months into classes, Faulkner went to Write About Now (WAN) Poetry, an annual gathering of poets in Houston, Texas. “Write About Now Poetry pivots the careers of many poets,” she said. One of the poets at WAN was L.J. Hamilton, a poet from Toledo. Faulkner felt inspired by seeing a poet like Hamilton on a large platform from her hometown. “I wanted to go because they love poetry and they value the art of poetry and the stories of many men and women.”
In her life, Faulkner said she has learned that poetry is a gateway for people to learn and grown from the trials and tribulations many people face every day. “I am a firm believer that our testimonies aren’t ours to keep but pathways for others to walk out knowing there is freedom, joy and restoration waiting on the other side of their pain,” said Faulkner.
Faulkner will graduate in Spring 2025 and aspires to be an internationally renowned poet.
Theatre Transfer Pathway >>
Theatre Certificate >>
Technical Theatre Certificate >>
Published January 2024