Spread Your Wings and FLI: Stories, Poems, and First-Gen voices

Join the FLI Network and the University Writing Center for a special book talk featuring author Jessica Ilayalith Mora, who wrote Spread Your Wings and FLI, a book centered on first-generation voices. Enjoy free food while hearing the author discuss their work, inspiration, and writing journey. Following the talk, students will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A and engage in meaningful conversation. Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer, or simply curious, this event is a great chance to connect and learn.

The FLI Network is hosting its first-ever Blue Jay Voices: Open Mic Poetry & Prose Night, where the BSC Theater will become a space dedicated to uplifting FLI voices and celebrating the power of shared stories.

🙌 Why come out and support?
🤍 Show love for classmates who are sharing their stories
📣 Be the cheering section every speaker deserves
✨ Help build a space where FLI voices feel seen and heard
📚 Receive a free copy of Spread Your Wings and FLI
🥟 Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres

About the Poems:

Wings We Carry – Write about the wings you carry. What are they made of—late nights, family hopes, fear, pride? How do they lift you even when they feel heavy?

The First Flight – Describe your first day stepping into a space no one in your family has entered before. What did the ground look like when you finally took off?

Between Two Skies – Write about living between home and campus, culture and expectation. How do you learn to fly without leaving parts of yourself behind?

Poetry Submission Guidelines
All poetry submissions must be 300–500 words. Please select one of the following prompts:

Submit your poetry here:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=OPSkn-axO0eAP4b4rt8N7PJG5xdG90lAvAg2Lq-QoOdUOFJMMFlQVElBWk9WV1JUUEc5RE1WSTA3Ny4u&route=shorturl