Monica Prince is not someone easily forgotten. What with her inviting smile, impeccable humor, and love of fun, she makes quite the impression. Not only is she recognized by her commanding presence, but for her poetic skill. Monica received her Bachelor’s degree from Knox College, a private liberal arts school. It was there that she got a degree in creative writing, and later made the choice to become a graduate teaching fellow here at GCSU. Monica chose to come to GCSU because she was told she’d be able to write. And write she does.
Monica can usually be found writing or performing poetry. When I asked her who inspires her to write she said, “Oh, I hate this question.” She tells me she’s inspired by everyone: her sister, poets her own age, professional or amateur poets she finds online, anyone. She draws inspiration from everywhere, and not only that, but from herself as well. It is because she uses poetry as an outlet that she has become known for her talents. The more she performs, the more recognition she receives. I met her a year ago. One year prior, I saw her slam, and was awestruck. But I wasn’t the only one. Fast-forward a year, and Monica is still a big part of this school, if not bigger. She puts herself out there, and isn’t afraid if you know her business; in fact, she welcomes it. She doesn’t have the time or patience to be embarrassed, and that’s only one of her many defining traits (besides her love of high heels, of course).
Monica is a part of an organization called AAC (Art as an Agent for Change) that often holds poetry slams. Just recently, Monica performed in AAC’s Poetry Jamz. And let me tell you: it was phenomenal. The room was filled with regulars as well as newbies to the poetry scene. But it wasn’t till Monica took the stage that the room surged with electricity. Those who knew her knew what was in store, while those who didn’t were in for a treat. After the performance, the room erupted in applause. Most went to the back of the room to purchase Monica’s poem anthology Survival Techniques. This is her second self-published book of poems that includes one of her most well-known poems Something to Keep Me Vertical. When asked why she chose the title Something to Keep Me Vertical she said, “I use that phrase to emphasize how love is something that we’re supposed to fall into, and how in reality, real love doesn’t let you fall. Instead, real love keeps you vertical, keeps you standing up straight and keeps you flying.” Monica’s poetry is universal, for not only does she write about life, but she writes about others in an insightful and powerful way.
Monica also teaches English 1101 Composition here at GCSU, while simultaneously participating in a program called Early College. In Early College, Monica helps teach creative writing to seventh graders. When asked about Early College she tells me that creative writing “keeps kids who otherwise find themselves broken and deserted from saying ‘no one understands me’ because inevitably, there is a poet out there who does.” Because of her profound love of poetry, Monica is determined to share that love with everyone she can. That is her ongoing mission. Her love for writing grows more each and every day, and with every person she touches, be it through teaching or slamming, she is changing a life. She’s truly unforgettable. If you don’t know Monica, you soon will, because it is her goal to make you be the best you you can be.
You can buy Survival Techniques on Amazon.com. Her other self-published book, Maangi Fii Rekk: Attempted Communications on Senegal, is available at Lulu.com.