Austin Ashford, a freshman from Oakland, Calif., stood on the stairs of his friend’s house, playfully teasing the camera as the flash illuminated the porch.

“I could do this all day,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll get used to doing it more.”

Ashford, a boastful, gregarious young man, is no stranger to fame. The nationally acclaimed poet has performed in numerous poetry competitions including “Youth Speaks” and with groups, such as the San Francisco Team featured on HBO’s new series “Brave New Voices.”

“I don’t call myself a poet, I’m more of a storyteller,” Ashford said.

Originally recruited for Western’s forensics team, Ashford admitted that collegiate forensics was more than he could handle and was suspended from the team.

“I was missing practices, but in doing that, I finally got to see and experience the fun things about being here,” he said.

With his new free time, Ashford reinstated Phresh Pham, an entertainment group comprised of comedians, rappers, dancers and other poets he met on campus. His group of friends back home used to have the same name.

Though the group has an independent music video and hosts parties for Western students, they decided to host “Phresh Mic,” an open mic night that takes place at Lil Redz once a month.

“Open mic night is the biggest thing we have,” Ashford said. “It’s not a typical party. Poetry isn’t that popular, so to be able to get so many people interested in it … there’s a certain feeling.”

Still lingering off the high of performing at the Spectrum during Kentucky Derby weekend, Ashford is anticipating his next move with Phresh Pham-a 27-city tour offer beginning at the end of June, with stops in Indianapolis and Chicago.

“I’m nervous. I’ve done plenty of shows, but this is such a higher level, in front of crowds I’ve never seen before,” he said.

The youngest of four, Ashford said he always felt a need to argue his case. When excelling on not-so-promising varsity football and basketball teams in high school wasn’t enough, he used that energy to rattle his teachers.

“You could say I was a smart-ass,” he said. “I protested everything, but it worked for me one day.”

During a 10th grade history exam, instead of completing the test, Ashford, a self-proclaimed history buff, wrote a poem on the back of the paper about how awful he thought the teacher was. But his teacher wasn’t upset. He urged Ashford to enter a poetry contest in exchange for finishing the class.

“He saw a talent in me I never knew that I had,” Ashford said. “We’re still in touch now.”

A long way from home, Ashford said he gets homesick. And missing his 50-year-old mother’s college graduation, as well as not being home for Mother’s Day makes the distance seem farther.

“My family is very supportive, though,” he said. “They know how much I love poetry, so they forgive me.”

Growing up in a low-income situation, Ashford values family. And friendship.

Benn Broox, his stage name, is the name of his best friend who committed suicide four years ago.

“I inherited a lot from him, he was like my teacher, my inspiration,” Ashford said.

He patted his hands on his chest as he recited a poetic tribute to his fallen friend. As his voice intensified, his words and hands sped up, simulating an increasing heartbeat.

He paused, thinking of his friend since third grade.

“Knowing him, he’s probably looking down, glad I’m giving him credit,” Ashford said laughing.

Though his step-father often dismissed Ashford’s poetic ambitions as feminine and unimportant, Ashford persisted, now acting as a competitor and coach on the Bowling Green Team he formed in hopes of going to “Brave New Voices” again.

Drawing from everyday occurrences, Ashford goes on writing binges to build his collection.

“I don’t write everyday, but when I start, I can’t stop,” he said. “I will go in a cave and come out with a whole new testament.”

Ashford, an English and Black Studies double-major, hopes to make a career of performing and building the Phresh Pham entertainment brand.

“Now that I own something and we’re bringing in money, I just can’t see myself going to a tiny cubicle everyday, same thing every morning,” he said. “I think I would be depressed if I had to do that.”

But until Ashford is a headliner, his biggest worries remain performing for college crowds and for the upcoming “Phresh Mic” tomorrow night, where he will recite the poem about the real Ben Brooks.

Before he takes the stage, Ashford prays and remembers his best friend. He energizes himself by pacing and yelling the Phresh Pham name.

And for last assurance, he shouts his favorite phrase: “It’s go time!”