" There was this girl who went to my school, and she did a Nikki Giovanni poem, ‘Ego Tripping,’ and it was just different from everyone else’s. It wasn’t flat recitation. It had an energy and a life to it. And it made me sit up in my seat, and my eyes got wide, and I really felt inside myself, ‘She’s making me feel things. I want to do that.’ "
- Samira Wiley

In the given quote, Samira Wiley describes a profound moment from her school days when she witnessed a girl's performance of Nikki Giovanni’s poem "Ego Tripping." This performance was notably different from others because it wasn’t merely a recitation; instead, it was an energetic and dynamic delivery that captured everyone's attention. Wiley vividly recounts the emotional impact this performance had on her, making her feel deeply engaged and inspired.

The deeper meaning of Wiley’s quote lies in the transformative power of creative expression. She highlights how art can stir emotions and provoke introspection when presented with genuine passion and understanding. This experience was pivotal for Wiley because it revealed to her the potential of her own voice as an artist; it made her realize that she too could create work that resonates deeply with others. The quote encapsulates a moment of artistic awakening, where witnessing someone’s authentic expression of art becomes a catalyst for self-discovery and creative ambition.

The author of this quote is Samira Wiley, an American actress known for her powerful performances in television series such as "Orange Is the New Black" and "The Left Hand of Darkness." Her reflections on the influence of poetry and performance speak to her own journey as both an artist and a storyteller. Through this experience from her school days, she illustrates the profound impact that witnessing art can have on personal growth and artistic development.