Kassandra Lee Tate

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction

Hometown

Santa Fe

My Greatest Supporters

My family has given me endless love and support. Even though we were separated and I lived far away while I pursued my education, their belief in me gave me strength. My professors and friends at SMC helped me find my path in life. I am who I am today thanks to everyone in my life.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

I have many wonderful memories about my time at SMC, but I'm going to miss living on campus. I made so many friends and I learned so much about the world and about myself as a result.

My Next Chapter

I don't know what the future will bring me, but I'm going to grab every opportunity that comes my way. I hope to use what I learned to help others. I can't wait for the adventures that await for me in the next chapter of my life.

Favorite Quote

"I love you and don't let anyone or anything bring you down!" My mother would say this to me a lot growing up. During quarantine, I was reminding myself that I have people who love even though they lived far away. When life throws a curveball at you, you shouldn't let it bring you down. Use it an opportunity to improve yourself and learn something new.
— My Mother

Kiran Bains Sahota

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction

Hometown

Yuba City, CA

My Greatest Supporters

My greater supporters come from the huge family that supports me through every reading, publication, and success. But most of all, my great-grandmother and mother who raised me are my greatest inspirations.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

I loved being in person and attending readings, grabbing tea from the café, and having workshop with my amazing peers. Even digitally, every moment with them are times I laugh, think, and savor. I will always be grateful to the MFA in Creative Writing program for giving me some astounding and supportive friends, and giving me the best two years of my life thus far.

Favorite Quote

“We have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins, carbon in our souls, and nitrogen in our brains. 93 percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names.”
— Nikita Gill
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Ryan Sinclair Shepherd

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction

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Angelina J. Strosahl

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction

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Connor Robert McCaslin

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction

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Courtney Metz

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction

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Kathleen Theresa Herald

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction

Marrion O. Johnson Jr.

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction

Hometown

Chicago, IL

My Greatest Supporters

My parents, my siblings, my partner, my best friends, my colleagues, my beloved Black community.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Finding the courage to publicly advocate for the centering of Black students, Black writing and Black professors at Saint Mary's during a time of a global racial reckoning.

My Next Chapter

Completing my first novel and sharing it with the world.
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Anneke L. Cronander

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Fiction