Manas Karki, a first-year international student from Nepal, has won first place in the Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize competition with his poem “Visa Length.” The competition, held at Virginia Tech, highlights the experiences of undergraduate students across various disciplines.
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Karki shared that adjusting to life in America can be particularly challenging for international students. His poem reflects both his personal journey and the struggles faced by others in similar situations. After reading his poem at the annual competition in Blacksburg on April 8, Karki expressed his aim to convey a sense of solidarity among international students.
The Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize was established in 2006 by renowned poet Nikki Giovanni and former Virginia Tech President Charles Steger. The contest invites submissions from undergraduate students, awarding $1,500 for first place, $800 for second, and $500 for third. Giovanni, who was a University Distinguished Professor, passed away in 2024, but her legacy continues through this annual event.
This year, there were 88 poetry submissions, with ten finalists who read their works in front of an audience that included friends and faculty. Gabe DeLuca, a sophomore in creative writing, earned second place for his poem “Daisy,” inspired by a past relationship. Natalie Lanter, a first-year cybersecurity major, secured third place with “ADHD & Carrots,” which explores the thoughts associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Khadijah Queen, an associate professor of creative writing at Virginia Tech and the competition director, emphasized that the event encourages all students to express their creativity, regardless of their primary field of study.
Karki plans to return to Nepal after completing his studies at Virginia Tech, where he is pursuing a degree in mining and minerals engineering. His poem poignantly illustrates the realities of being far from home and the effort to connect with loved ones across distances.