Twenty-two poets from all over Austin sent in their works to the 2025 Austin Youth Poet Laureate in hopes of being named a finalist or Laureate, the official ‘winner’ of the competition. Despite this being her first year in the program, senior Audrey Han has been named one of the five finalists of the competition.
“I honestly went into it not expecting anything,” Han said. “I’m actually really surprised that I got chosen.”
After one of her friends was named laureate for a similar program in another city, Han decided to search for an organization like that in Austin, leading her to the Austin Youth Poet Laureate program. In order to enter the Laureate program, students aged 13-18 in the Austin area must enter a resume with five poems. The idea of sharing her poetry with others also motivated her.
“I think now, more than ever, it’s important to get your voice out,” Han said. “Having the opportunity to spread awareness and get my opinion out there to be heard… I think it’s pretty cool.”
Students can submit written or oral poems. Han, having written her poems in a specific meter, decided to send a recording of her poems.
Once students submit their five poems, a panel of six judges select a Laureate and five finalists. The selected students are then given the opportunity to attend various events throughout the city to perform their poetry and spread their voice. Their first presentation will take place Dec. 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Austin Central Library. The event is free and open to the public.
Finding pleasure in the freedom and creativity of writing, Han has written prose, novellas and short stories. Nevertheless, poetry has still remained one of her favorite forms of writing.
“For poetry, it’s like every poem is unique,” Han said. “I think it’s a really good way to express your emotions.”
Han takes inspiration from real life, often writing about people who have left her life or are important to her.
“I’ve written about one person five, six times already,” Han said.
Aside from her involvement in the liberal arts, Han is also involved in the STEM side of learning. She is the current president of NSTEM, a club designed to combine the areas of math, technology, science and engineering with community service.
Though she is unsure what to pursue in the future, Han is looking at the prospect of minoring in creative writing or comparative literature.
“I know that I don’t want to stop writing in the future,” Han said. “I think [writing] is not something that you can stop doing as you get older. It’s something that always stays with me.”
