The research I was able to complete this summer is very dear to me. With the guidance of my faculty advisor, Paul Graham, I conducted research on novella structure and genre with a strong focus on environmental literature. Alongside this, I began developing my own piece of environmental literature: a novella devoted to discovering what it means for a girl to grow up completely immersed in the ecology around her.
At first, I found myself struggling with organizing the story I wanted to tell. I was reading novels and short stories that seemed to run seamlessly, but when I approached my own work, I could not seem to achieve that same effect. However, my advisor Paul Graham, helped me understand that this is a normal part of the writing process. My biggest accomplishment was embracing that struggle because, once I did, I saw everything more clearly. Novel structure, the magical realism genre, character development, it all made more sense to me.
This fellowship has challenged me in necessary ways and gave me the time and resources to strengthen my skills and deepen my passion as a writer. This opportunity was unique and fulfilling in ways a traditional classroom setting cannot replicate. Not to mention, the opportunity to reside in the North Country while studying what can happen when immersing oneself in the natural world is a gift. Not only did the main character in my story feel connected to the Earth beneath her feet, but I did as well, and my story, education, and personal well-being are better for it.