Olivia Hodsdon: The New President of PSU Poets & Writers

Hodsdon in the HUB's Fireplace Lounge

“I’ve been writing since I was five-years-old, so I’ve always wanted to be a writer in the back of my mind. I’ve always been told that’s something you really can’t do, but I eventually said, ‘To hell with it, this is what I want to do with the rest of my life,’” said Olivia Hodsdon, the newly-appointed president of the Plymouth State Poets and Writers student organization.

She said her passion for writing and decision to pursue it was sparked, despite how many in her life warned her about it. “Don’t listen to anybody, just do it,” Hodsdon said.

Hodsdon is a junior English major with a writing option, and this is her first semester as the president of the Poets and Writers organization.

Hodsdon said the transition from a normal member of Poets and Writers to the president has been difficult, especially since she was not the original president of the club at the beginning of this semester. “Originally, we had a different person as the president, but she ended up being super busy, so we all just, kind of, got shifted,” she said.

Hodsdon said that although her newfound position is a struggle for her, everyone on the executive board is adjusting together. “My vice president was just supposed to handle social media, so we’ve been scrambling to put stuff together, but we work together pretty well,” Hodsdon said.

While the adjustment and beginning of the semester have been stressful, Hodsdon says that the club members have been forgiving and easy-going. Through the experience of being the president of Poets and Writers, Hodsdon wants to meet others who love writing just as she does.

Regarding any possible changes to the annual Poets and Writers-sponsored “Open Mic” nights at Burrito Me, Hodsdon said, “I love how it’s going. I love the people, I love the place. I don’t think I would change a thing.”

Hodsdon also said that Open Mic nights will be held on one Tuesday every month, at the usual location of Burrito Me, on South Main Street in downtown Plymouth.

Hodson is not, however, opposed to modifying how the actual Poets and Writers organization works. “The club changes every year, depending on the people that come in. The normal Open Mic and meeting is the only thing that stays; everything else is up in the air depending on what happens,” she said.

Hodsdon says that she would love to expand the club in the next few years, even after she graduates. She also wants Poets and Writers to collaborate with other student organizations.

No matter what happens, Hodsdon even looks beyond her time at PSU to hone her poetry skills. “There was a poets’ convention that Hannah [the former president] went to last semester, and I would love to go to a few more of those and expand outside of Plymouth,” said Hodsdon.