She’s putting pen to paper and helping write Austin’s next chapter!
Sophie Baryalai is Austin’s new Youth Poet Laureate, and she’s using the power of poetry to celebrate culture, amplify young voices, and inspire the next generation of writers.
The Lake Travis High School senior joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share her journey as a poet, the inspiration behind her work, and what it means to represent Austin in this exciting new role. She also treated viewers to a special reading of her original poem, Hook.
The Lake Travis High School senior joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share her journey as a poet, the inspiration behind her work, and what it means to represent Austin in this exciting new role. She also treated viewers to a special reading of her original poem, Hook.Image (22).jpg
Finding her voice through poetry
Sophie’s love for writing began at an early age. She remembers filling notebooks with imaginative stories as far back as second grade, often creating fantasy worlds and characters.
Although she stepped away from writing during middle school, she rediscovered her passion in high school, this time with a new perspective.
Sophie’s love for writing began at an early age. She remembers filling notebooks with imaginative stories as far back as second grade, often creating fantasy worlds and characters.
“I think as I got older, I started seeing a lot more issues in the world, and I really wanted to write about them,” Sophie shared.
Her writing evolved from fictional stories to poetry exploring real-world experiences, personal identity, and the issues affecting her community.
Finding inspiration in family and culture
For Sophie, inspiration often begins close to home.
Growing up in Texas, Sophie developed a desire to connect more deeply with her Afghan heritage. Her grandmother has played an important role in that journey.
Meet Sophie Baryalai, Austin’s new Youth Poet Laureate
”Those family connections have helped shape the way she approaches storytelling, encouraging her to explore cultural identity through personal experiences and everyday moments.
“For me, I think it’s a very good way to express myself,” she said of poetry.
Sophie believes writing can also help people see beyond stereotypes and understand one another through a more personal and cultural lens.
Representing Austin’s next generation
Being named Austin Youth Poet Laureate is an opportunity Sophie doesn’t take lightly.
“I think it’s a really great honor for me,” she shared.
She’s especially excited about increasing representation and helping more young people discover the power of poetry.
“Seeing her photo albums, watching the news with her, and her experiences has just given me a lot of inspiration in my own writing,” Sophie explained.
Sophie already runs a cultural journal and an editorial initiative, much of which involves working with writers through online platforms and social media.
Now, she hopes to take those efforts beyond the screen.
“I would love to kind of expand this as Austin Youth Poet by doing workshops in person,” she explained.
She also hopes to visit schools and connect with students who may not have access to the same creative writing resources and opportunities.
A Powerful message in her poem Hook em’ Upside Down
During her visit to We Are Austin, Sophie shared an excerpt from her original poem, Hook ’em, Upside Down, a piece exploring identity, belonging, and what it means to be a Texan.
The poem references a burnt orange Longhorn jersey and the experience of seeing people questioned about whether they belong because of their appearance.
“I don’t think we should put a label on what being Texan looks like,” Sophie explained.
Meet Sophie Baryalai, Austin’s new Youth Poet Laureate – 4cd8159b-553a-44d7-af9f-d6f2f274f99d.png
As a high school student preparing for college herself, she understands the hard work students put into their education and hopes her poetry encourages people to look beyond differences.
“I just think it’s really important that, you know, as people together, we all stand up and we work together,” she shared.
A bright future beyond high school
While Sophie is already making an impact through her writing, she’s also looking ahead to life after graduation.
The Lake Travis High School senior plans to pursue an English degree in college and hopes to continue studying in academia, potentially becoming a professor.
“I’m really passionate about education, so I’m excited,” she said.
With a passion for poetry, education, and community, Sophie is ready to make the most of her time as Austin Youth Poet Laureate.
Learn more about Sophie and the Library Foundation
To learn more about the Austin Youth Poet Laureate program, visit the Library Foundation’s website or follow the organization on social media.
You can also keep up with Sophie’s writing through her cultural journal and Instagram @sophiebaryalai
Watch the full We Are Austin interview with Sophie Baryalai to hear her inspiring story and experience her original poetry!
Website: austinlibrary.org
Phone: (512) 542-0076
Social Media:
– Instagram & Facebook (The Library Foundation): @LibraryFoundationATX
– Instagram (Sophie Baryalai): @sophiebaryalai