"Write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can. I'm not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter." - Neil Gaiman
I've known I've wanted to be a writer since I was 7 years old. But I've come a long way from printing homemade comics and magazines on my mom's photocopier in the basement.
I graduated from Ithaca College in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing. After a brief summer stint of restocking shelves and beach read displays at Barnes & Noble, I landed my first gig in educational publishing. I gained wide-reaching experience in marketing, editorial, and content development capacities at large multinational publishers, gaining industry perspective and sharpening my editorial sensibilities. But, most importantly, I learned much more about my own professional goals and drive.
I've learned to be my own best advocate and a more balanced "self-critic." I've learned that I'm a strong team player, but no one will fight harder for my own potential and new opportunities than me.
I've learned that I'm driven by the potential for facilitating human creativity and inquiry, and creating opportunities for creatives across disciplines, genres, and fields.
One of my "superpowers" is taking complex, dense, technical language and translating this into concise, impactful copy for the outside viewer. I've applied this at various positions in technology, healthcare, education, and publishing.
From his hospice bed, my father told me he never understood why I didn't think I could pursue "whatever I wanted." Naturally, I went and did just that.
Dad's last wish propelled me to the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where I completed my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in 2020. I had the opportunity to jump into the classroom (and into the virtual in March 2020), teaching Composition I and Creative Writing as a Teaching Fellow. I completed my thesis, "Flotsam," a collection of short stories. I added short features, interactive digital poetry, and grant proposals to my portfolio.
My expertise in language and rhetorical thinking has helped me collaborate with data curators at Spotify, academic coaches and writing centers, and experienced clinician researchers at Boston Medical Center.
I've also had the chance to volunteer and honor my dad's memory with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; as the affiliate's Communications Chair, I championed and pitched human interest stories about pancreatic cancer research, advocacy, and care. I've been to Capitol Hill in D.C. to speak to Senators and state representatives and their staff, raising my voice for patients and their families.
So when asked "What do you do with Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing?" I tell them the page is the limit.
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