Hi everyone!
My name's Stefanie Botelho, and with this blog comes the program that hopefully changes my life. A recent graduate from Southern Connecticut (I just can't seem to get away from these state schools), I received my B.A. in English, and spent a year discovering just how little that meant to the working world. After several dead-ends, including an internship which may have been one of the most futile endeavors I've encountered in my short 23 years, I stumbled upon this program, and managed to squeak in at the last minute. I can't begin to explain how very excited I am to be back in a community of people that take writing as seriously as I do, and am so looking forward to the support that I am sure to find in this group. I find that being surrounded by talented writers fuels the healthy(!) competitive side in me, and forces me to stretch to my best.
In a world where television has destroyed the need to read, and the Internet has dissolved the need to think, I think that I finally found where I need to be: in this program, with this group of people. August can't come fast enough, and I can't wait to meet you all at the residency.
4 comments:
Hi Stefanie,
I enjoyed reading your introduction! I can tell you, I certainly resonate with how little a BA in English means in the working world. One of my husband's co-workers the other day, in random conversation, mentioned how silly it is that "liberal arts" people pay so much to go to school, to earn a degree in which they are paid so little. It's tough when you have a passion to write. I look forward to meeting you, someone who shares that same passion!
Stephanie,
Welcome. I look forward to meeting you.
am
Welcome Stephanie!
I had that same problem finding a job at first. Until I realized that having just a B.A. in English meant I was the ideal candidate for scams and sales positions.
You are in the right place!
Look forward to meeting you in a month! ;)
Laura M, one of the many Laura's.
Hi Stephanie - Welcome! I'm one of the "original" WestConn MFA's - finished my degree in December! Glad you "squeaked in," as you say. I know you'll get a lot out of the program.
I hope to provide you with an optimistic viewpoint about liberal arts degrees. I, too, graduated with my B.A. English from SCSU in 1984 and have managed to have a very successful career in marketing and corporate communications with all the perks that come with it. Yes, it's true, I've actually used my writing talents to make money and have a fulfilling career!!! I recently left the corporate world and now own my own communications company while I build my literary writing credentials.
I strongly believe success in any career can be achieved but it takes a lot more than just a degree. I'd be happy to talk with you if you'd like some thoughts about what helped me translate liberal arts skills into business. You can reach me at AnneWitkavitch@comcast.net .
Best to you on your new adventure.
Anne
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