Meet a Roadrunner: UTSA student Victor Cyrus, Jr. contemplates life, love in soon-to-be-published book of poems

Victor Cyrus, Jr.

UTSA political science student Victor Cyrus, Jr. will see his first book of poetry published this fall

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(July 15, 2015) -- Meet Victor Cyrus, Jr. This Houston native will soon be a published author and poet.

Cyrus' first book will be published by Tate Publishing this fall. The book, "Love and Life Told Through Poetry," is a meditation on life and love, taking inspiration from his own personal journeys and also those of the people around him.

"I started writing during high school and continued throughout my time at UTSA. The poems in my book span over the past four years and tell my life story," Cyrus said. "My book starts with a poem about my mother and ends with a poem about my son."

Cyrus uses the written and spoken word to share his stories. He has performed spoken word at universities throughout the country.

The UTSA political science major was inspired to write the book after a positive experience with a fellow student who approached him at his first spoken word performance. He shared a poem he'd written about his little brother, who had been diagnosed with autism, at a slam poetry event on campus. Afterward, a young woman told him she related deeply to his story. Her encouragement inspired Cyrus to continue writing and sharing his work.

A dedicated and loyal Roadrunner, Cyrus credits his time at UTSA with shaping his outlook on creativity and service. He has served the university in a variety of capacities, including student organizations such as Men of Honor, the UTSA chapter of the NAACP and the Black Student Union.

"My time at UTSA has helped me grow up," Cyrus said. "As a student, I've had to make decisions on my own, away from my home. Those decisions helped me find my identity. I hope to use my voice to connect with others and to speak up to break the silence."

Cyrus is also known among his peers for his tireless public service; he has coordinated Buddy Walks for Autism and is a long-time member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Texas. Many of these experiences have inspired poetry in his book.

Cyrus is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the College of Liberal and Fine Arts at UTSA. He has his sights set on public service, hoping to one day serve as a U.S. senator. His dream is to be remembered for his good work in life and service like his inspiration Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Love and Life Told Through Poetry" will be available nationwide in September through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Costco and Sam's Club.

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Do you know someone at UTSA who is achieving great things? Email us at social@utsa.edu so we might consider your submission for an upcoming installment of Meet a Roadrunner.

To read past Meet a Roadrunner stories, visit www.utsa.edu/roadrunners.

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