B.A. in English Literature from University of New Hampshire
On the first day of my African American Lit class at the University of New Hampshire, Professor Fisher strode into the room, glanced at his watch, and looked out at us. “You’ll have a 1,000 word paper due every class. You’ll each get a copy of everyone else’s essay, and we’ll critique each other’s work. If you miss one paper, you’re out.” There was a collective gulp, a twisting of bodies, and for most, a silent promise. My promise was never to take a class with this guy again. And to try and get the papers done.
One paper, one paragraph, one word at a time, I did it. Sometimes it felt like that’s all I had time for - but that may have been due to the procrastination techniques I had honed. Through it all - the painful first sentences, the midnight popcorn-making, the 5:00 am revisions, the escapes to hang out with Bart and Lisa, and the triumph of handing in that paper twice a week - I learned what it means to stick to a task.Yes, I was profoundly moved by the words of Richard Wright, Toni Morrison, and Malcolm X. But, just as importantly, I learned about myself as a writer. Professor Fisher encouraged me to establish work habits, to reach further, and to share my words with others, learning from their wisdom and their mistakes. It was the scariest and best class I ever had, and he is still my favorite professor of all time.
Since that first class, I’ve worked as a journalist in Sweden, taught theater to kids in the public schools of New Hampshire, become a freelance photographer, and written countless letters, short stories, arts features, literary analyses, scripts, and poems. And I have asked for and received help and support in all my work - from friends, editors, and writing workshops. For me, collaboration is the key to success and happiness. I love the process of sharing ideas, seeing different styles of writing, and working together with others to make myself a better writer. As we say in New Hampshire, I’m wicked psyched to help you write, brainstorm, read, organize, and, I dare say, enjoy this crazy and wonderful process of writing!