Southeast Missouri State University’s Journey literary organization held its first “Write Out Loud” event of the semester Monday Jan. 30,in the University Center Terrace Room. Throughout the semester students meet to read either already published work or their own literary works.

Special guests were at the event, including Douglas “Fish” Fisher, coordinator of the Office of Resident Life, who performed “Nightmare” and a couple of other lyrics off of his album as a teaser for his upcoming event “Two humans. One message.” 6 p.m.Thursday Feb. 2, in the University Center Ballroom.

Michael Council, Southeast junior and aspiring musician, emceed the event, engaging the crowd before every reader with a chant: “Seven o’clock, seven o’clock, time for the microphone to rock.” Then each reader was greeted by a round of applause as they took their place behind the microphone.

While at the event, Southeast sophomore Marqusha Oliver enjoyed listening to her peers’ creative expression.

“I like how [the event] gives people a chance to express how they’re feeling,” Oliver, who read her poem “Opening of the Darkness,” said. “A lot of people up there are brave enough to say things they normally are not comfortable enough to say.”

The event ended with faculty supervisor James Brubaker announcing upcoming opportunities for writers around campus. Journey will continue to meet for the rest of the semester on alternating Mondays and Thursdays. The next “Write Out Loud” event will occur at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, at Cup ’n’ Cork.