"When I started the Atheneum, I had made a commitment to doing whatever I needed to do to pursue my writing dreams. As an emerging writer, I have often dealt with insecurity about whether I was good enough as a writer and whether or not I could actually make this dream come true given how competitive and daunting the writing/publishing world can be. The Atheneum seemed like the perfect opportunity to take my writing life to another level. I had no idea how perfect it would turn out to be. From the start, the mentors in this program accepted all of us as peers and colleagues more so than students. The feedback and counsel I got from my individual meetings with my two mentors in the fiction group was very helpful and encouraging. Also, our group sessions and informal discussions provided opportunities for learning and sharing on a level much different than the typical classroom context. After nearly a year in the program, I feel like I've been accepted into a community of writers and have forged connections that will continue long after my time in the program is over. And best of all, I think now I can make this writing life happen for me. I'm grateful to the Atheneum program for helping me get here."