All Student Success Letters

Adrienne Starr

Dear Gotham,
 
A year ago I signed up for Gotham’s Fiction I Writing class—the very first writing class I had ever taken. I have always been a voracious reader, but never thought I had the skill or talent to be a writer.
 
My teacher was Thais Miller, and from the first day, I knew it was going to be a very positive experience. Thais started each class with lectures that went beyond basics but helped build solid fundamentals. She wrote detailed, insightful critiques that were extremely helpful, and kept firm control over the class while at the same time encouraging thoughtful discussions.
 
My first submission was the first short story I had ever written. The response I got, from both Thais and my classmates, gave me a huge confidence boost and the motivation to continue.
 
My classmates were talented and supportive, and after class ended, a group of us continued to meet to offer encouragement and feedback.
           
This past fall, I sent out my first submission, a nonfiction essay to Real Simple’s annual Life Lessons contest. I found out in January that I was selected as the first place winner. My essay appeared in the April issue of the magazine.
 
I never would have imagined a year ago that I would be a published author. I can say with certainty that I never would have accomplished this had I not taken that class.
 
With many thanks,
 
Adrienne Starr
Real Simple