Olivia Jascot ’27, an English major with an emphasis in creative writing, was recently selected as a winner of the Connecticut Poetry Circuit Student Award, a statewide honor recognizing outstanding student poets. The Connecticut Poetry Circuit will stop at UHart on February 25 at 1 p.m. in the Greenberg Center, where Olivia will share her work with the campus community.
When Olivia received the news, she was shocked—and then thrilled. “This recognition feels deeply validating, especially as an undergraduate still finding confidence in my work,” she says. “It reminds me that my voice and experiences have value beyond the classroom.”
The award was judged anonymously, making the recognition especially meaningful. Olivia submitted five poems, each shaped through multiple revisions. Her work is deeply personal while striving to remain widely relatable, often exploring themes of connection, queer identity, mortality, and the natural world. She approaches language with care, aiming to make every word feel intentional and alive on the page.
Olivia credits her coursework, peers, and mentors—particularly English Professor Benjamin Grossberg—with helping her develop as a poet. “I have met so many amazing people, spectacular professors, and lifelong friends on this campus,” she says. Beyond the classroom, she serves as the poetry submissions editor for Aerie, UHart’s literary journal, and the entertainment editor for The Informer, the University’s student newspaper.
Looking ahead, she hopes this recognition will support her goal of pursuing a future in writing and publishing. “As someone who aims to publish novels, as well as be part of the publishing industry, it is important that I receive recognition like this at this level,” she says. “I also hope I can meet others who also aim for a future in writing.
Her advice to fellow students who are interested in submitting work to literary competitions is, “Go for it. Someone out there will connect with your words.”
Olivia Jascot ’27, English, College of Arts and SciencesThis recognition feels deeply validating, especially as an undergraduate still finding confidence in my work. It reminds me that my voice and experiences have value beyond the classroom.