Shellie Kalinsky

How did you choose your degree program?

Mason's BFA Creative Writing program is one of only 30 BFA Creative Writing programs in the US. The ability to take courses in all three genres (Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry) as an undergraduate student and to learn from instructors who also teach MFA students is unique; and the opportunity to participate (as an undergraduate) in Watershed Lit's broad range of publishing and literary opportunities is exciting. I am lucky to live in Northern Virginia to be able to be part of this program.

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

I enjoyed all of my classes. The courses and professors at Mason are exceptional. I appreciated the intersection of ideas woven throughout my classes. If I had to pick one thing that impacted me most in my academic experience at Mason, I would say it was being able to discover and study from such a wide range of writers and thinkers. This experience has changed the way I look at the world.

What accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of my progress as a writer. I came into this program as a fledgling writer and now I feel like with the help of my professors and fellow students, I can call myself a writer.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career? Please give an example of this impact if possible.

There are so many people that have helped make my GMU experience transformative. A few standouts are: Dr. Keith Clark (he introduced me to writers I'd never read before, to ideas I'd never considered before, and he changed the way I look at the world); Dr. Jennifer Wood (she showed me how to have fun with Shakespeare); Art Taylor (his guidance and resources helped me structure my stories, organize my writing, and articulate my ideas); Stephanie Liberatore (she introduced the idea of the situation and the story); Scott Berg (he pushed me to find my narrative voice); Dean Taucich (he showed me that digital creative writing is an art form); and Kara Oakleaf (who encouraged me when I began writing the short story "Loggerheads" that was recognized as runner up in the 2021 Shelley A. Marshall Writing Contest). I also want to give special recognition to my family for supporting me when I said I wanted to go back to school and become a writer. I wouldn't be where I am today without all of these people in my corner, cheering me on.

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

I am returning to Mason in the Fall as a first-year MFA candidate. My long-term career goal is to be a published writer. I have several projects I'm working on, including a short story collection and a nonfiction project that I'd like to expand. Success for me means that I'm happy with my writing life. I feel like I've gotten a great start just by being part of Mason's BFA program.