The Power of Poetry

Hello fellow Poe & Poets and welcome to the Power of Poetry class! Poetry changed my life and you have the chance for it to do the same for you. In the Power of Poetry class, you will learn the basics of public speaking, insight into my relationship with poetry, what I've been through, and what the power of poetry is for you. The class will be broken into times of sharing, writing, playing, exploring, and empowering each other. As part of our time together, you will be tasked with writing an original poem(s) which we will workshop in class and  perform on the last day in front of family and friends. I look forward to our time together and hearing all that you have to share. So, until next time, keep your pen sharp with an open heart. - MANLEE POETRY
Instructor: Jesse VanderKodde was sitting in the back of his high school classroom when the teacher said, "We're going to do a poetry unit." Jesse heard a voice pop up in his head so clearly that said, "Poetry is for sissies." And that's true, because when poetry first surprised him, he was afraid of so much in his life and scared to address it. Poetry gave Jesse a safe space to wrestle with, enjoy, explore, discover, question, and articulate - any experience he had gone through. Speaking of experiences, here are some of his professional experiences: 4 BA's in Elementary Education, Bible Theology, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and SantaClausology along with a minor in Creative Writing. Jesse has worked as an on-camera and stage writer, director, and actor. He has performed original poetic pieces in Korea, China, Michigan, and worldwide with his YouTube channel MANLEE POETRY. Jesse wants to take all his gifts and knowledge and share them with you.