9th Annual Story Slam

Students hit the stage and show off their storytelling skills. 

The 9th Annual Story Slam at CSUDH was a much-anticipated event that drew both seasoned storytellers and eager listeners alike.

Held on the evening of May 7 in the Loker Student Union, the event promised an evening filled with captivating narratives by Stephanie Chilo, Abla Gorashi, Jesse Calabrese and Mansur Abdullah.

Associate professor Toddy Eames kicked off the event with opening remarks that set the tone for the festivities.

The Story Slam wasn't just an ordinary gathering, it was a tradition deeply ingrained in the fabric of CSUDH's community. Originating nine years ago, the event has evolved into a grand affair that showcases the diverse talents and stories of its participants.

Each year, the event has grown in popularity, attracting storytellers from all walks of life eager to share their unique perspectives and experiences.

Among the lineup of storytellers were Chilo, whose tales reflected on her personal life and finding her voice.

Gorashi, with her gift for storytelling, offered those afraid to face their fears a humorous yet heartwarming story about how she dove out of her comfort zone after parasailing for the first time.

Calabrese's narratives carried the weight of profound wisdom and strong emotion as he shared a personal story about family bonding and learning to provide support for loved ones.

Meanwhile, Abdullah's stories were often infused with humor and wit, eliciting laughter and smiles from the audience as he also spoke about how he was able to break out of his comfort zone and make friends through his journey to seek a romantic interest.

As the evening drew to a close, literary agent Lisa Callamaro, who helped launch the storytelling program, took the stage for the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the participants and audience for making the event a resounding success.

The night concluded with a soulful performance by Ashanti Dyles, whose music served as the perfect finale to an evening filled with stories that touched hearts and ignited imaginations.