At the 29th annual Café Shapiro Showcase, University of Michigan continued this time-honored tradition of sharing their poems and short stories to the U-M Community. As the Student Ambassador Coordinator this year, it was an honor to take charge in organizing the event and leading my team to support these student writers and their creative endeavors.
We've collected some reflections about why we love Café Shapiro:
Paige: At Café Shapiro, I got to hear the work of some of the University of Michigan's best writers and poets. My favorite part was the question and answer section because the audience saw into the writers' process in creating their works.
Salma: Café Shapiro is always one of my favorite events during the year. It’s so beautiful to hear the work of so many students, and to be able to connect with them on a personal level through their work.
Roe: I had never been to Café Shapiro until this year, it was a really fun experience being able to hear about the different creative endeavors of my fellow students, no matter their background, experience, or major.
Ceci: Café Shapiro is always one of the best times of year. I love listening to the works my fellow students have created and seeing them be recognized. My favorite part of every session is the Q&A because I find that I can appreciate their pieces at an even deeper level when I learn about the behind-the-scenes thoughts and decisions that went into shaping them.
Alyssa: Café Shapiro always ends up being my favorite event to put on, as it’s so amazing to hear students read out their own work. There is such a variety in tone, topic, and method, but all are equally enjoyable as an audience member. I also love when different writers exchange compliments and questions with one another at the end.
Grace: It was great to hear from the student writers during Café Shapiro! I enjoyed experiencing everyone’s works as an audience member and facilitating Q&A. The thoughtfulness of our students is amazing.
Shereen: Working behind the scenes on logistical details of Café Shapiro was a pretty fun experience! It was really wholesome to see all of the student writers and their diverse backgrounds and interests. As an English major and aspiring professional writer, it warms my heart to see so many people still interested in the art of literature and expressing oneself through words.
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Café Shapiro is made possible in part through the Mary Wiedenbeck George Café Shapiro Fund thanks to the generous support of Pamela and Janice Wiedenbeck and the Wiedenbeck family.