Sophomore Publishes Book of Poems

Gopal Raman ’17 began his sophomore year as a published author. Since seventh grade, Gopal has been writing prose and poetry and exploring the art of photography with encouragement from his St. Mark’s teachers. Last summer, he collected all of his work into the book Beyond the Edge, for which he also designed the print layout and typeset. 

 

"I've been working on Beyond the Edge for more than a year now,” Gopal said. "I feel that more than anything, holding the final copy in my hands truly represents all of my best work.”

 

While the book is entirely Gopal’s work, he credits many of his St. Mark’s teachers for their advice and guidance throughout the creative process. 

 

"My St. Mark's teachers have been integral to my progression,” Gopal said. "In particular, Mr. Rozelle, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Gonzalez, and Mr. Brown have really helped me evolve my work to new levels and forms. Much of my book is also focused on graphic design, and Mr. Westbrook was a great person to turn to for direction.”

Upon publication, Gopal decided to dedicate all proceeds from Beyond the Edge to Tom C. Gooch Elementary, a school at which Gopal volunteers as a tutor and mentor.