Asa Oywech

Through my avenues of professional engagement I have gained experience in co-facilitating projects and discussions that foster creativity, critical thinking, and social justice amongst my peers at Photo Voice. In the past year I have engaged In numerous research projects with professors, and worked towards the establishment of numerous organizations. Through my foray into the foundation of Fitchburg’s first Poet Laureate Society, I have developed skills in team problem-solving, collaborative leadership, and abstract articulation; all of which allowing me to embrace diversity, challenge stereotypes, and promote positive change. I strive for excellence in academic and civic engagement, and I am passionate about using art and media as vessels for advocacy, education, and empowerment. Following my battle with cancer I sought to bring forth resources which were not afforded to me, through my currently developing non-profit, “Words of a Warrior,” at UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Invited to the Law and Advocacy National Student Leadership Conference at Yale University

Founding member of the Mount Wachusett Community

College chapter of Phi Sigma Pi

Fitchburg High School Honors Academy

Nominated for Boys State

Founder/Chairman: Fitchburg Poet Laureate Society

Pine Tree Scholarship recipient: Husson University

Research Faculty Assistant: Fitchburg State University

Following the death of George Floyd in May of 2020, I was heavily influenced by the art of poetry-and the encompassed voices of poets such as Langston Hughes and Amanda Gorman-as it provided a means for me to express my emotions through complex and intricate articulation. Poetry initially developed as a mere hobby, however it soon grew into a voice for myself. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I deferred into a state of internalization and silence, to which poetry was my only resolve. Throughout the course of this experience, I was inspired to provide this same resource to other pediatric cancer patients through my Words of a Warrior writing program, which is currently in the beginning stage of foundation. On the contrary, as it seems no love can go unpunished; I never conceived a possibility that my craft would bring success, much less professional recognition. In August of 2023, I was officially published as a poet through TeenInk, which, though seemingly insignificant, was a heartfelt validation of my artistic merit.