The 23-year-old University of Newcastle medical student never thought her poems would take her on stage.

But that was the case when Kosh, at the encouragement of a friend, signed up for the regional round of the Australian Poetry Slam last month.

Her performance delivering evocative original work A Negative Film, a comment on racism, earned a place in the Newcastle final which was held at the Newcastle Museum’s Link Gallery on September 30. 

Kosh chose a piece titled Dear Mum, written in honour of her late mother who lost her battle with cancer this year, in the 10-person final.

The touching performance earned her the title of Newcastle Poetry Slam champion and ignited a further desire to share her poetry with others.

“It was nerve-racking but it was good; it was a challenge,” Kosh said.

“I’ve always loved English … poetry it is a good creative outlet. I use it as someone would write in a journal or a diary I suppose.

“It’s a way for me to reflect on what has been going on and for me to work through … generally it’s something I’m really passionate about.”

Each year around 1000 writers from various towns and cities of Australia take part in the nationwide poetry slam. Regional champions vie in state finals for the honour of performing to a packed Sydney Opera House in the national final.