Savastiana Valle
Savastiana (Savi) Valle is just a single semester away from completing her Bachelor's degree in Arts Education (concentration in Metalworking) at Illinois State University. She will be completing her student teaching and plans to teach in Chicago Public schools post graduation. Savi plans to create a safe and welcoming space for all of her students to breathe and heal, similar to that of the Spoken Word club.
The impact of poetry and the spoken word club
I remember being a Freshman going into the Spoken Word Club and being so insecure of myself and more specifically my writing. I watched the showcases go by and admired every group piece and Senior Solo that would close out the end of the year. I never truly thought that would be me. I did not think I could be a captain or a good one at that. Spoken Word and poetry have offered me a way to strengthen myself in my confidence and more importantly my creativity. I think poetry in a way is just for me, my place to burrow whenever I need to. Spoken Word Club and poetry made me feel safe, it made me feel seen, it made me feel valued. I feel that Spoken Word Club has done so much for me and modeled the positivity and openness I want in my classroom. It above all has shown the power that art can do and that the youth hold so much wisdom. I thank all the club members I graced the stage alongside, and those who continue to find the power in their voices. Writing poetry has truly gotten me through some incredibly vulnerable and lonely parts of my life. I sincerely do not think I would be who I am today without the club and Mr. Kahn being a part of my life.
Top favorite poets or lyricists
Salima Rivera (aka Sulima Quintana Moya), Jillian Weise; Eve Ewing, SZA, Umi, and Lorine Chia
Connect with Savastiana IG
Writing Prompts
Write about a time you felt like you didn’t belong in your home
What does “safe” mean to you? What people, places, or ideas make you feel safe?
Write about a memory you have forgotten but you wish you still had?