1987
I had just finished a degree in architecture, and I wanted to go back to school. I knew it wasn't going to continue in architecture, and writing was dear to my heart. I went back to school for English and to focus on creative writing. I was working on a master's in arts at CCNY. I was working at that point. I remember that I was excited to leave work and run to get into my classes and talk with my fellow classmates about our writing, our works, and finding our voices. CCNY gave me my voice and the opportunity to speak the way I want to and to express myself. I know that came from what I learned from professor Mark Mirsky. He said, 'I don't want you to make up something. I want to hear you.' I think that's what resonated with me throughout my time at CCNY and it still does. He was my favorite professor and we are still in contact with each other after all these years. The funniest thing is that we lost touch and my colleague at my job right now mentioned that he was teaching at CCNY. I said, 'Oh, I went to CCNY!' He said, 'I was working with Professor Mirsky.' I said, 'Is he still there?' He got us back in touch. I went to visit him, and it was such a pleasure to reconnect with him and his family. Had I not experienced knowing my voice and putting it on paper, I don't think I could be doing what I'm doing now. CCNY means community to me. No matter what background you are from, you can go there and get a fantastic education.