In celebration of Earth Month, the OLSBC Critical Thinking for Media class attended an Eco Poetry Writing Workshop sponsored by the BC Office of Sustainability. The workshop was led by Professor Camille T. Dungy, renowned poet and author of the recent book “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden.”
Professor Dungy guided students through a transformative poetry writing experience, focusing on the intersection of nature, environmental action, and identity. Her garden serves as a metaphor in her work, exploring themes of environmental justice, racial identity, and community resistance. During the workshop, students discovered that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but also a powerful medium for communication, storytelling, and cultural connection.
The Power of Poetry as Media
Poetry, like other forms of media such as literature, visual art, or film, conveys ideas, emotions, and experiences in a unique and often highly condensed manner. Utilizing language, rhythm, and imagery, poetry connects deeply with audiences, bridging cultural and generational gaps. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various styles and formats, from traditional sonnets to free verse and spoken-word performances. In essence, poetry is a timeless form of media that creates meaningful connections through words.
Student Reflections
The workshop left a lasting impression on the students, who shared their thoughts and insights:
- “I learned that poetry through media helps with cultural connections through words.”
- “I had no idea that insects evolved from shrimp.”
- “Poetry comes from the way you feel and how you take on the world.”
- “Professor Dungy was nice and saw the world differently. She was wonderful to listen to.”
- “Professor Dungy connected well with the audience and taught us to think about using our senses when beginning to write.”
- “Normally I don’t write, so I enjoyed the interactions and prompts she used to have me think about what’s around me.”
About the Critical Thinking Through Media Course
Critical Thinking Through Media is taken in the second year of the OLS Bellevue College program. In this course, students explore how media advertising works and why it is so successful with consumers and analyze the way buyers are influenced.
About Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College
Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College (OLSBC) is an associate degree program for students with learning disabilities. In our uniquely supportive skills-based program, students apply academic knowledge through community activities, service learning and social experiences. Students identify a career pathway, gain marketable, workplace-ready competencies, develop better interpersonal skills and complete an internship in alignment with their career goals.
Learn more about our program at an upcoming Information Session, open to all prospective students, family members/guardians, educators, counselors and other service providers. Come learn why OLS Bellevue College is one of the best colleges for students with learning disabilities.
Last Updated May 1, 2025