LaVondra “Lava” Ham, a second-year master’s student in the Department of English and a Marquette Trinity Fellow, is using her time in academia to reflect deeply on her childhood and her journey as a writer. Through her poetry, Ham explores the beauty and wonder of childhood, a theme that resonates strongly with her personal journey of self-discovery.
Ham’s latest poem, published in the Marquette Literary Review, delves into the story of her younger self and the foundation of who she is today.
“There is a wonder and beauty of childhood that sometimes can only be appreciated when you are older,” Ham reflects. “I especially feel a desire to rediscover the little me and tell her story.”
For Ham, returning to graduate school marked a significant step toward honoring the dreams of her younger self, as she reconnects with her passion for writing and finding her voice. “Writing, and feeling safe to share my writing, is truly a healing journey,” she says, highlighting how her work as a writer allows her to give voice to that younger version of herself.
When Ham had the opportunity to publish her work, the experience was both nerve-wracking and transformative. “I was very nervous to publish my work and share it with others,” she admits. However, the process taught her that writing is ultimately about making connections.
“It’s about connecting with others—maybe they can relate, maybe they can’t—but it’s a way of saying, ‘Hi, I’m here too, and I just wanted to share something I was thinking of,” Ham notes. She is excited to continue her journey as a writer and sees this as just the beginning of many more stories she hopes to tell.
Outside of her writing, Ham enjoys immersing herself in TV shows, particularly analyzing characters and their personality types. She also loves relaxing with a cup of tea and practicing yoga to unwind.
Want to read similar stories or have a success story to share? Visit Stories of Graduate Student Success to learn more.
