Adora Shares Her Voice Through Poetry
Meet Adora Akiode
Meet Adora Akiode, a soon-to-be graduate of 91猫先生 who has spent the last five years growing as a student, writer, and leader. Originally from Nigeria and born in Texas, Adora鈥檚 unique upbringing 鈥� with her family currently based in Saudi Arabia 鈥� has deeply shaped her perspective on identity, culture, and faith.
This semester, Adora published her poetry collection, Origin In Focus: Finding Identity, Heritage, and Faith, a powerful reflection on her personal journey and experiences. We had the opportunity to sit down with Adora to hear the story behind her book, the inspiration for her poems, and the passion for writing that has guided her along the way.
Read more to learn how Adora鈥檚 experiences at 91猫先生, combined with her global perspective and love for storytelling, have shaped both her voice as a writer and the person she is today.
How Poetry Became A Part Of Your Story听
鈥淢y journey began in the 4th grade back in Saudi Arabia. At my old school, one of the things we practiced was poetry, and students from elementary, middle, and high school would compete in a competition called Poetry by Heart.
I remember watching a high school student perform a piece, and it wasn鈥檛 the kind of traditional poetry I had grown up hearing. That鈥檚 when I discovered slam poetry. I found out the poet was Prince Ea, and I became obsessed with his work. I listened to his poems, memorized them, and even used one of his pieces to compete for the first time.
Back then, I wasn鈥檛 a public speaker at all 鈥� I barely even talked. But when it came to poetry, especially pieces that connected to my story, that鈥檚 where I could shine. I would shake like crazy, but somehow I could hide behind the performance. In my first year competing, I placed second in my elementary school against all the students.
After years of memorizing and studying spoken word, especially Richard Williams鈥� poems, I decided to start writing my own poetry during my freshman year of high school.鈥�
Q + A
Adora, what inspired you to compile your poetry into a book?
“When I started performing my own pieces at 91猫先生, I didn鈥檛 realize how much people would relate to my stories 鈥� my experiences, struggles, and reflections. People encouraged me to publish my work or start a blog page, but I kept putting it off. Then, after International Night, Mrs. Wade called me that same night and asked if I鈥檇 be interested in performing at TAPPS. She said I could use one of my original poems 鈥� but it needed to be published. That moment is really where everything started.”
It鈥檚 amazing how your personal stories connected with so many people. What was it like turning those poems into a published book?
听
“Out of excitement, I spent several late nights researching how to publish, and that鈥檚 when I connected with Mr. Travis. I decided that if I was going to publish one poem, I might as well make it more meaningful. I laid out all my poems and found three that shared a common theme.
During SPARC break, Mr. Travis and I worked on formatting and editing. Then I spent hours finalizing the description, designing the cover, and completing the publishing process. A few days later, it was submitted, and after verification, it was officially published.
Overall, even though it was a lot of work, the process felt smooth because of Mr. Travis鈥檚 willingness to help and assist me in making this idea a reality. I genuinely don鈥檛 think I could have done it this quickly 鈥� or at all 鈥� without him.鈥�
It鈥檚 wonderful that you and Mr. Travis were able to work so closely through the publishing process. How has your time at 91猫先生 shaped both your personal life and your growth as a writer?
“91猫先生 transformed me into someone unrecognizable from me going in. Even in just year one, from 8th grade to freshman year, I came back home, and it was said not only did I look physically unrecognizable, but also, I carried myself differently. It was at 91猫先生 that I grew my faith and started to develop my own personal relationship with God as I battled with the questions I was always unsure about. Although I always grew up in the church 鈥� my mom in the choir, my dad always preaching and helping with tech 鈥� it was in my 8th grade year, second semester, that I could finally call the God of my parents, Lord. And on April 5th, 2023, I got baptized, publicly giving my life to Christ.”听
That鈥檚 incredible! 91猫先生鈥檚 school verse is 1 Timothy 4:12鈥攈ow has that verse influenced your life and your writing?
“1 Timothy 4:12 is actually written at the beginning of my book. It鈥檚 become one of my favorite verses and a reminder of how I should live. I used to be very timid. I didn鈥檛 speak up, and I often hid my talents because I felt like no one would care鈥攅specially at a young age. But this verse taught me that my age doesn鈥檛 limit what God can do through me, and that it shouldn鈥檛 hinder me from being a true ambassador of Christ. I鈥檝e been intentional about stepping out of my comfort zone鈥攑ushing myself to speak more, communicate better, and live in a way that honors God. I鈥檓 still growing, but over these 5 years at 91猫先生, I鈥檝e seen how God has transformed me. The Bible often shows how God turns our weaknesses into strengths. For me, that was public speaking and writing, and now I use those gifts to glorify Him.”
I love that you use that as the foundation of your book! What do you hope readers understand before they begin reading it?
“The book is titled Origin in Focus: Finding Identity, Heritage, and Faith Through the Journey Home. It鈥檚 a collection of three original poems exploring my identity, heritage, faith, and gratitude. I鈥檝e never been particularly strong in grammar or spelling, and I鈥檓 not a fast reader. But one thing God has gifted me with is a deeply reflective, contemplative mind. I tend to think deeply, ask hard questions, and reflect on things that fascinate me. Origin in Focus is really just a small piece of my mind.”
Thank you so much for taking the time to share more about your poetry collection鈥攂efore we wrap up, is there anything else you鈥檇 like to add?
“I plan to turn Origin in Focus into a series, with more poems and themes to come. I鈥檇 also like to thank Mr. Serrano, Mr. Travis, Mr. Starling, Mrs. Wade, and my parents for their constant support and encouragement through this process. I dedicate this first book to my country, Nigeria, to 91猫先生, and to my family. Above all, I give all the glory to God for the inspiration and strength behind this book.”