Benjamin Inks

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

My thesis is a collection of military short fiction exploring war, the bonds formed during war, and how the stories we tell about war shape our trajectory. Centered around themes of woundedness and vulnerability, most stories are greatly inspired by my experiences deploying to Afghanistan in 2010.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I didn't. It picked me, as cliché as it sounds. I can't stop writing, I can't stop reading. And it's only in retrospect after 3 years of study that I realize I would have NEVER gotten as far as I have without the MFA and my friends and faculty guiding me along the way.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

It's altered my DNA. Okay, maybe that's overkill. But I do feel like my understanding of 'self'--my very personality and perception of the world has been indelibly affected (for the better!) by my experiences in both the MFA and the larger George Mason community.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

Hm. I've published 5 stories from my collection, which is pretty cool. Though honestly, you could take all those away and leave me with the clarity of mind my studies have fostered--and that alone would be worth it all. I'm most proud of my personal growth :)

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Too many people to name. But let me try...

Courtney Brkic, my thesis advisor, who kindly read multiples versions of my stories.

My beloved professors and mentors, who shared their knowledge and insights with me. In particular, Helon Habila, Tania James, Alexia Arthurs, Tim Denevi, Stephan Goodwin, Lisa Lister, Alok Yadav, Lijun Zhang, Courtney Massie, Jen Messier, Susan Lawrence, Scott Berg. (Oh gosh, I hope I'm not forgetting anyone!)

Also, Jay Patel and Gregg Wilhelm, who both somehow maintained staunch composure amidst the avalanche of administrative questions emailed daily.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Embrace every minute of it. The good, the stressful--all of it! Work hard and make friends with as many people as possible!

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I'd love to become a probation officer or counselor, using my English degree more as a framework for understanding (and assisting) people rather than as a technical skillset. I'm currently working on a detective novel set in a working-class Seattle suburb. If I can get a book published in 10 years, that would be awesome. But as I've said, for me it's more the journey/striving!