Welcome back to the POP QUIZ! This is a regular, yet totally unexpected, feature where we ask students, parents, staff, our friends, and partners to answer a few questions about what they are learning, reading, and thinking about. Today we feature Tyesha Moore. A former Milwood Elementary and Linden Grove Middle School student, Tyesha is now a sophomore at Kalamazoo Central High School. She became involved with Communities In Schools in ninth grade. “I met [CIS Success Coach] Ms. Cooperrider through [CIS Site Coordinator] Ms. Yarbrough,” she says. “Both help me, are there even through my toughest times.” As Tyesha puts it, “They have both taken me under their wings and now Ms. Cooperrider is keeping me on her watch.”
Jenna Cooperrider describes Tyesha as “really smart and sweet.” Tyesha describes herself as “shy.” This school year, this young woman is stepping out of her comfort zone to explore her passion for writing by taking a slam poetry class with English teacher, Christopher Bullmer.
Alright, Tyesha: pencil out, eyes on your own paper. Good luck.
POP QUIZ
What is something interesting you’ve recently learned?
Never give up. I never give up on certain things, even though it’s really hard. Also, when somebody gets in your way, move around them, and breathe! I’m trying to do good, but it’s a struggle.
Favorite word?
Roses, because I like roses. I want to get a tattoo in honor of my little niece that passed away. I want it to be beautiful. I love the color blue and my niece loved the color pink and so a rose with those colors, that is what I have in mind for getting a tattoo.
Poetry is an important part of your life. Can you share a little bit about when you started writing? Your writing routine?
I’ve been writing poetry since I was fourteen. I carry a notebook with me so I can write when I need to. Sometimes I write every day. Sometimes, every other day.
Three words that come to mind after reading some of your poems: deep, dark, and real. Is that a fair statement?
Yes, my poetry is about my life and expressing how I feel.
The poet Rita Dove has said, “Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful.” Do you agree?
I think I do. Poetry is a type of power you put into your words. I write whatever I feel and whatever is around me.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished a good book. I can’t remember the title now and I already turned it back to the school library, but it’s about a girl who has two separate families. One is the real one and the other family kidnapped her but she said they didn’t.
What are your plans upon graduating from high school?
I want to travel to an art institute, attend college out of state somewhere and work on my poetry.
Behind every successful student is a caring adult. Who is your caring adult?
My mother. She takes care of me. She has eleven kids and I am the baby of the family. Her kids have all grown up to be what they want to be. For instance, my older sister is a banker.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I envision myself doing a couple things. I’ve always wanted to be a famous artist and also go into modeling. But, with modeling, you have got to be perfect. I’m not perfect so I think I’m going to do something that mixes poetry and art.
Thank you, Tyesha!
Tags: Christopher Bullmer, CIS, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Deborah Yarbrough, empowered by poetry, Jenna Cooperrider, Kalamazoo Central High School, Rita Dove, success coaches in the high school
