We first appreciate all six creative participants, Grace, Hayoon, Ryan, Lea, Leo and Jinho. We also appreciate our six college student reviewers from the University of California — Davis, San Diego, and Santa Barbara — for their thoughtful reading this year.

The central theme of “Mom’s Timer” is something everyone will experience at some point in their lives — the fear of losing a parent. It personifies that fear beautifully, and its literary structure and style are equally beautiful.

— Pavel, UCSB

I found the premise of “Mom’s Timer” to be really profound, showing a strong understanding of human emotions and relationships. In the poem, a timer is tied to the mother’s response to her children’s behavior and actions. In many ways, the child acts in accordance with the mother’s wishes to prevent her from “leaving,” and that causes the child to feel anxious. Feeling that their time with their mother is limited, the child chooses to make more happy memories with her. The poem captures the tension between wanting to be close to a parent and being careful not to upset them.

— Anonymous, UC Davis

This poem left the strongest emotional impact on me, resonating deeply through its subject and metaphorical approach. It reminded me to appreciate the time with my mom and how fragile a human heart can be.

— Anna, UC Davis

“Mom’s Timer” was well-worded, with digestible lines and stanzas. The theme of the poem was powerful, expressed through carefully chosen phrases and thoughtful intent behind every line.

— Kenny, UCSD