Seminole State College Speaker Series

Seminole State's Speaker Series welcomes presenters representing diverse views and interests. With a wide range of speakers and topics, the Speaker Series contributes to the College's mission by enhancing the cultural vitality of our community. 

All events are free and open to the public. To request accessibility accommodations, please email Disability Support Services

The views expressed by these speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Seminole State College of Florida, its Board of Trustees, employees, students, alumni or partners.

Campus READ in Partnership with Speaker Series 

Sponsored by Florida Blue Foundation

Erin Stewart, Award-Winning Author and Young Adult & Middle Grade Novelist

• When: Thursday, Oct. 9, at 12:30 p.m.
  
• Where: Sanford/Lake Mary Campus Library (building UP) or watch live via streaming video. The presentation will also be streamed in Seminole State's Altamonte Springs Campus and Lee Campus at Oviedo libraries
• Topic: The Words We Keep*

This partnership event features Erin Stewart author of The Words We Keep, this year's Campus READ selection. Stewart's young adult novel, The Words We Keep , received the prestigious Schneider Family Book Award from the American Library Association for its portrayal of the disability experience. The novel features mental health themes such as anxiety in what Kirkus calls “a sprawling, engrossing read” with “an overpowering sense of hope underlined by an achingly sincere message: Speak up and get help if needed.” Stewart loves speaking with readers and students of all ages about her writing process, the importance of story, as well as the value of using writing as an avenue to speak up about mental health issues.

In this presentation, Stewart will focus on how to use poetry and words to write about tough topics like mental health. She will share her own journey to writing a story based on her experience with anxiety and will give tips and encouragement on how attendees can face their own struggles and share them with the world. Join us at this event to discover why speaking up, connecting and sharing is so important for mental health, and life in general.

About Campus READ

Campus READ is a program sponsored by the Seminole State College Libraries started in 2025, thanks in part to a mini-grant funded by the Foundation for Seminole State College. This program benefits students, faculty and staff by fostering a love for reading and creating a sense of community and shared experience. It also encourages students to engage with library services across the college campuses and online.

*The Words We Keep may be triggering for some. Seminole State College wants to remind you that FREE Mental Health Resources are available. Seminole State students can access mental health services through Academic Advising and Counseling or through the After Hours Crisis Hotline at 407.571.0999. Seminole State employees can access mental health services through the Employee Assistance Program. Mental health services are also available by calling or texting the National Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 (24/7) and by calling 9-1-1.