Photo courtesy of University Relations
Nicole Wong reciting her poem, “Forward,” at President Poser’s inauguration.
“Same book, different page. Far from perfect. Risky it may be, but move toward it. All the sowed trials will reap a reward. Forward,” recited Nicole Wong, a third-year law student, during President Susan Poser’s inauguration.
In preparation for the inauguration, Hofstra University held a poetry competition. The winner would have the opportunity to present their poem in front of students, faculty and parents at the inaugural ceremony.
Unsure if graduate students were even eligible to enter the competition, Wong decided to work on a poem over the summer. “I actually turned it in on the last day,” Wong said, “and about a month later, I received a call [that her poem won] and was shocked and really grateful because that poem means a lot to me.”
Wong was inspired to create a poem about new beginnings. In light of the trials the world has faced over the last year and a half, Wong believes that we need a new beginning. “In life, I just have felt like there have been a lot of times where it has been difficult to tackle something,” she said. “When people told me I couldn’t do something, my response was not to be upset with them, but move forward instead, and I coupled that with the idea of a new beginning.”
Wong gained much of her inspiration for the poem from her experience in law school, her years working as a teacher and from her knowledge of the Bible and her spirituality.
The title of the poem, “Forward,” came from a pep talk she received from one of her law professors during a particularly stressful time. The professor told her to recognize the trial she was facing, but to continue moving forward.
Prior to attending law school at Hofstra, Wong worked as a teacher for five years. She taught twelfth grade in disadvantaged communities for two years and then worked with foster youth in college for three years. According to Wong, many of these students did not always believe that they could achieve their goals or in the potential that Wong saw in them. “When I work with young people, I’m like, ‘what is your dream? Let’s do it,’’ Wong said.
As a Christian, Wong felt a connection to new beginnings based on her faith. However, Wong wanted the poem’s meaning to be transferable to any faith or spirituality its listeners may follow.
One of the most impactful moments in Wong’s performance of “Forward,” was when she broke into song, adding even more emotion to her already powerful presentation. “I am actually a little nervous doing anything in public, but I’ve learned that I’m not singing necessarily for people to judge me: I’m singing to help them,” Wong said. “The second they told me I had to perform, I started looking at the poem like, ‘Where am I going to sing?’”
Wong has enjoyed singing for most of her life. She and her brother were placed in foster care for eight years and according to Wong, “Singing helped get me through the tough times.” She continues to sing at her church, finding much peace and joy from it.
Wong wrote this poem with President Poser in mind. “I just wanted Dr. Poser to feel like she didn’t have to start from scratch, but that she really could just build on a really great foundation,” Wong said, “but also add everything wonderful she has to bring to the table.”
Wong believes that Hofstra, the world and everyone in their daily lives have the potential to create a new beginning for themselves. “When we wake up every day, we should think about it as, ‘Okay, this is a new beginning or a clean slate.’”
Here and now, welcome opportunity.
Overcome the pause of adversity.
Flow and carve the needed capacity
So we can refine our humanity.
– “Forward,” by Nicole Wong
