In this flagship series, we’re highlighting graduating University of Iowa students who have woven writing into their academic journeys across disciplines. Through these interviews, these exceptional students show how pairing writing with any major strengthens thinking, communication, and impact.

Today we are featuring Ben Ahlrichs, graduating with a BA in English from the College of Liberal Arts.

Ben Ahlrichs is a poet from West Des Moines, Iowa. He loves whales and birds. In the fall, he will attend the University of Virginia's MFA in Poetry. His work can be found on various undergraduate lit mags and the Iowa Review's Blog, Switchgrass.

In a few short sentences, tell us how writing impacted your time here at the University of Iowa?
I had the best teachers while I was at Iowa. Donika Kelly, Paige Lewis, Kaveh Akbar, Sarah Minor, and Candice Wuehle were all instrumental parts in my growth as a writer. I also appreciated the the access to the writing world I got while at Iowa. I saw so many of my favorite writers and poets at Prairie Lights and the EPB.

What was one of your favorite classes or activities related to writing?
I have loved all of my classes with Dr. Donika Kelly. Especially, Queer Poetics, Boundaries and Lack: Love Poems, Poetry and the Natural World, and our honors independent study where we read a bunch of gay poets.

What advice would you give to incoming students about writing at Iowa?
Go to office hours! Join Ink Lit Mag! Go to readings! Get involved as much as you can, read widely, and write what you want to write!

What are your plans for post-graduation? Any projects, continued studies, or exciting work news we can share??
I am attending the University of Virginia's MFA in poetry. I also will continue writing poems about whales and birds and all the other animals we live alongside!
 

Find Ben online!

Instagram: @benahlrichs
Facebook: Ben Ahlrichs
LinkedIn: Ben Ahlrichs