Students, faculty and staff members will step up to the microphone and share lessons from their lives during UC Merced’s inaugural The Spoken Experience storytelling event on Thursday, Nov. 14.
During the event, 10 people will deliver five-minute monologues reflecting on moments of enlightenment under the theme “Lessons.”
The Spoken Experience, presented by the Office of the Dean of Students, takes its inspiration from “The Moth,” a popular podcast, radio show and live performance event that allows ordinary people to share extraordinary experiences and realizations.
Kamyar Nekoui, the UC Merced student who is organizing The Spoken Experience, said the idea came from his desire to help members of the campus community connect with one another.
“When people stand in their truth and own that truth, it’s powerful. But when they share their truth, and allow others to discover it, that’s what builds community,” he said.
The unique culture of UC Merced, he said, is built on what each of us brings to the table from our own personal experiences.
“At the end of the day,” he said, “I think we can all learn from each other.”
Presentations at The Spoken Experience will be judged by a five-member panel, with prizes going to the top three speakers.
The free event will be held in the Multicultural Center, room 169 in the Kolligian Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
