The 2024-2025 New York State Youth Poet Laureate, 17-year-old OlaRose Ndubuisi, led a free Finding Scoliosis Kindly (FiSK) Writing and Art Workshop 4-Week Series for kids ages 10 to 18 on Feb 7, 14, and 21 from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and Feb 28 from 5pm to 6:30pm at Thomas P. Ryan Recreation Center. On Week 4, Feb 28, OlaRose organized a FiSK Art Showcase and Poetry Open Mic Night where kids will share their writing and art. A total of 88 kids participated over the 4 weeks. 

In this workshop series, OlaRose taught participants how to express themselves positively through writing and art in a fun environment, while learning about scoliosis – a curvature of the spine that can affect adolescents. 

During week 1, the main prompt was to describe when you found hope during an uncertain and difficult time, such as finding hope in the coming of spring during winter. OlaRose was inspired by the kids’ unique interpretations of the prompt and openness to share their experiences. She enjoyed answering the participants’ unique and insightful questions about scoliosis and her experience, as well as appreciated their eagerness to learn.

During week 2, the main prompt for Valentine’s Day was to write a poem about why you love yourself and what love means to you. The participants shared poems about what they appreciate about themselves and how love appears in their life. OlaRose was incredibly proud of the children’s growth in their writing and public speaking skills in just 2 weeks. 

During week 3, participants finalized the poems and artwork they wanted to share at the FiSK Art Showcase/Poetry Open Mic Night on Feb 28th. Then the kids practiced explaining their artwork and reciting their poetry. Everybody gave a round of applause, cheered, and shared positive feedback after each kid presented. OlaRose was glad that she was able to foster a positive environment where kids felt comfortable expressing their thoughts through writing and art.

During week 4, OlaRose held the FiSK Art Showcase and Poetry Open Mic Night. 32 participants attended. It was a beautiful, fun event. The kids recited their lovely poems at the Open Mic. The three poem prompts were to write a poem about self-love, tell a story about a bird based on a photo, or write about finding hope in an uncertain time like winter. The audience supported and cheered on each kid that read and gave roaring applause after each performance. Afterwards, all admired the kids’ writing and art displayed around the room for the Art Showcase. 

When the kids realized that there wouldn’t be another workshop session next week, they were sad and said, “You won’t be here next week? But we want to see you again. How will we see you again?” OlaRose enjoyed getting to know the kids over the 4 weeks, and it was wonderful to see them blossom in their writing and art through this workshop.

Thank you to Ms. Privitera and the City of Rochester for allowing OlaRose to host the FiSK Writing and Art Workshop 4-Week Series. Thank you to Ms. Robinson and the team at the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center for always helping with setting up, and for decorating the room so beautifully for the FiSK Art Showcase and Poetry Open Mic. 

Please contact OlaRose Ndubuisi at olaroseofficial@gmail.com, if you would like her to lead a free FiSK Writing & Art Workshop at a library, school, or community center near you. ✍🏽