Standout Spartan: Nora Iwashyna '27

Nora Iwashyna ’27, a talented writer and poet, was selected to read one of her poems at the October 26 Distinguished Speaker Forum, which took place at River Road Baptist Church. Nora was invited to read her work after entering a poetry challenge for local high school and college students, sponsored by the church, which asked for poems inspired by the theme “Life is a Good Idea.” The event featured a special guest: Poet Laureate Nikki Giovanni. 

“My poem is called ‘Despite the Storm’ and is about dancing in the rain, but it also symbolizes finding joy despite the difficulties of life and regardless of things outside of your control,” explained Nora. “I wanted to illustrate how, to me, life is about finding joy in small moments and learning to thrive, rain or shine.” 

Meeting Ms. Giovanni left Nora “elated and completely in awe the entire night,” she recalled. “Hearing her speak and getting to meet her was incredible. She is so talented as well as smart and hilarious!” 

A dedicated writer, Nora said that “finding the perfect word to describe whatever a poem is trying to illustrate” is something she loves. “Every line is intentional since there are a million ways to say a single thing,” she said. Nora gets much of her inspiration from her mother. “Her beautiful writing inspired my love of poetry,” she said. 

Nora, who loves being a Spartan, said, “It is so great to know my teachers and have my teachers know me. I also adore knowing everyone is my grade so well!”