By Mia Muskan
Amongst a busy and breezy midterm season for Brooklyn College (BC) students, the Interns of the English Majors’ Counseling Office hosted yet another successful Open Mic Event in the Woody Tanger Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 13. Creative students flooded the auditorium, eager to present their hard work and talent in front of other inspired peers.
BC has been hosting Open Mic Events as early as 1998, on a strict schedule of once every winter and spring semester.
The event was introduced by Professor Albena Lutzkanova-Vassileva, a BC associate professor of English and comparative literature. Professor Vassileva gave a short and sweet speech at the beginning of the event.
With a bright smile on her face, the English professor expressed her joy at this event and the work the interns put in to maintain and organize this open mic.
“I’m truly so privileged to work with a talented, innovative, dedicated, and genuinely caring group of interns who inspire me every single day. They pour their hearts and souls into organizing the event, and I want to thank them for all that they have done so that we can be here today.” Students from different backgrounds, styles, and majors are able to bond over something they all collectively enjoy. The loud applause roaring after a student nervously finishes their piece, or the snapping in unison whilst someone performs a song.
Throughout the event, the English Interns were seen taking the lead and initiative, assuring that the event ran smoothly. They eagerly took turns introducing each performer, applauding, and giving their complete undivided attention.
Two of the interns, President Mathew Faltas and Social Media Manager Duly Rosenberg, also had the opportunity to present their own work.
Talking with the Vanguard, Faltas shared their excitement about being able to present their work in front of an audience.
“[Being able to perform] was nice because I don’t usually write poetry, and it was nice to try something new to express myself. I would say all my creative works are forms of expression, but it was nice to try something new.”
Resenburg, a senior intern, discussed her love for writing.
“I shared a song I wrote. I love sharing my music because it feels like music is a way that I can kind of move emotions through myself. [Singing] takes two things that I love, writing and music, and puts them together. I felt really good to share [my song] and to hear that it resonated with some people.”
Several students took to the stage with their guitars and voices. Attendees sang original songs, nervous at first as they tuned their guitars. As they performed, a level of comfort was reached by the artist. As soon as they strummed their last note, the artist was met with loud cheers and applause. Adding onto the idea of “open mic”, where anyone can perform their own original works.
As the event wrapped up, the atmosphere remained light and uplifting; Students left with big smiles and possible inspiration for their future work.
53 Open Mic Events were held at Brooklyn College, with this being the 54th.
The English Major Interns are hosting their next event, a spelling bee, on Thursday, Nov. 20.
To stay updated with events held by the Interns at the English Majors’ Counseling Office, check out their Instagram @thejunctionbc.