Texas Woman’s University is home to a wealth of hidden talents, and on September 7, these talents took center stage at the Boot Scootin’ Lowry Woods Talent Show. Organized by the Lowry residence director, Alisha Hannah, the event provided a vibrant platform for students to showcase their unique gifts.
Hannah, who has been at Lowry since 2022, drew inspiration from the Autumn Arts Festival organized by the Student Union. She envisioned a similar event, on a smaller scale, that would encourage students to connect, relax and share their talents.
“Why not do something like [the Autumn Arts Festival] for Lowry,” said Hannah. “Give students a chance to come out and get to know each other, showcase the talents that they have, let loose, and have fun.”
Students signed up to participate by scanning QR codes on promotional flyers scattered across campus. The event took place in the Lowry Community Center which was transformed into a lively old-timey western theme. Attendees enjoyed a Frito bar, Kona Ice and various crafts. The acts performed in 15 minute intervals and during breaks, students participated in engaging activities, such as line dancing. They also listened to classic country music and pop-hits from Taylor Swift’s country era.
Sophomore Jeremy Jones impressed the crowd with his profound spoken word poetry. Jones entered into several talent shows before the Lowry event and enjoys performing in front of an audience. He’s been writing poetry consistently since middle school and, through his performance, aspires to convey who he authentically is.
“I wanted to express myself and put myself out into the public’s eye to show that I’m not just a person who goes here, but a personality,” said Jones. “I’m a free spirit and easy to talk to. The whole point for me is to really make connections.”
Junior Faith Osagie and Sophomore Aneisa Cabello entertained the audience with their powerful singing voices. Both also previously entered talent shows and were waiting eagerly for another opportunity to arise. Osagie put on an inspiring rendition of the popular song “Kings and Queens” by Ava Max and Cabello belted out a melancholy version of “American Teenager” by Ethel Cain.
“At an early age I started singing and performing for people,” said Osagie. “As I’ve done it for so many years, I’ve become good at it.”
Sophomore Demetrius Peebles and Junior Karissa Coker worked together to put on an entrancing duet performance to the song “Her” by JVKE that was fully choreographed by them only three days before their performance. Peebles and Coker have been surrounded by dance their entire lives and since beginning college have missed the performance aspect of their passion. Their routine was representative of the struggle of fighting yourself, your darkness and your anxiety while also accepting them as a part of you.
“I saw the poster and I thought about it and decided I wanted to enter the talent show,” said Peebles. “I brought it up to Karissa and she was like ‘you should do it’ and I said ‘no, we should do it’. It was a great opportunity to perform and also choreograph.”
The Boot Scootin’ Lowry Talent Show was a memorable event that provided attendees with a fun way to spend their Saturday evening, allowed students to showcase their gifts and gave all Pioneers that attended a wonderful sense of fellowship and camaraderie.
“The show helped with the community building that we are trying to accomplish,” said Alyssa Salazar, a Residence Assistant for Lowry. “Having everyone show their talents, feel connected and support one other.”
Bella Castillo can be reached via email at icastillo4@twu.edu
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