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This was my first year at Ionia High School. As a junior who was an adult and whose parents aren’t involved in my life, I knew it was going to be different.
Lexi Koopman enjoyed taking a forensics class at Ionia High School this school year. — Submitted photo
At the start of second semester, I chose to take forensics as an elective with a teacher who just started teaching this year. At the time, I thought it would be a class about true crime, which I was thrilled about. Right off the start, I was told it was a class about public speaking. I wasn’t thrilled, but due to my love of writing I stayed in the class.
When invitationals started, I chose to compete in poetry. My topic I chose was child abuse. After almost losing my life to the hands of my abuser, this topic is something that is both a sensitive topic but also one I am passionate about helping others like myself. Competing in forensics allowed me to express things that I have kept inside for years. It became less of a school subject and more of a coping mechanism.
Over the course of the season, my teacher has watched me bloom and watch my light brighten as I process more and more through my trauma. I was the only student to place in any forensic event this year. I came in fourth at regionals and am one of the top 10 poetry interpreters in the state.
I can’t express how much this class has helped me. I can’t wait to do it all again next year.
