Taking the Emmons Poetry Contest gold this year was City College student Christine Brown, who was announced the first place winner on Monday, April 4 for her poem “Goldfish.”

Brown, 21, is a Santa Barbara local with a bachelor’s degree in English and Critical Social Thought. Currently taking classes for enrichment purposes, she plans to attend Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. this fall to pursue her master’s degree in Deaf Studies.

Brown is also celebrating an honorable mention award for her essay “Hear Us Now” in this year’s Raab Non-Fiction Contest. She is the first student to receive awards in both contests.

“I’ve been writing poetry for quite a few years now,” she said. “It’s something I’ve been trying to develop over the years and take more seriously.”

Her poem, “Goldfish” paints a rich picture of life in a hospital. When asked about her inspiration, Brown reflected on the strangeness of hospitals and doctors’ offices.

She pointed out that there always seems to be a fish tank at doctors’ offices, and contemplated how the fish might be affected by their surroundings.

“I thought it was a rich topic to write about,” she said.

“I’m moved by good writing,” Brown said, when asked about the influence other writers have on her. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a name anyone knows of or not. If it’s good, it’s good.”

As a first place cash prize, Brown received $600. She plans on using the money to help pay for her graduate studies.

“I’m very grateful for it, for starters,” she said.

From one writer to another, Brown offers the following advice to fellow writers, “Start with the truth and just see where that takes you.”

The second place prize went to Nitsa Christensen Pomerlu, for her poem, “Just Love In New Skin.” The third place prize was awarded to Christina Boardman, for her poem, “Pantoum On Interpretation of Metaphor.” Three honorable mentions were also given to Stephanie Ann Wehe, Katrine Villumsen, and Juliana Prestigiacomo.