However, the “lump in my throat” was soon remedied after the McConnell Center brought in creative writing professor Jeffrey Skinner to lead a seminar on the poetry of Wendell Berry last semester. It was one of my favorite seminars as I was in awe of Professor Skinner’s knowledge and enthusiasm, so I decided to register for his poetry class this fall. As I reflect on the semester, I realize how very blessed I am to have met him through the McConnell Center. Professor Skinner’s class has challenged my understanding of the art form and provided me with meaningful opportunities for growth as a poet. Most importantly, his class has given me the confidence not only to continue writing, but also to share it with others. I’ve shared my portfolio with a number of close friends and family, and I intend to submit my work to a number of writing contests in the near future.
The McConnell Center put me in contact with a great program of which I was previously unaware, so I strongly encourage the McConnell Center community to visit the University Creative Writing Program website in hopes that you may find a similar life-changing connection.
Visit http://louisville.edu/english/creative-writing/axton-reading-series.html to learn more about classes offered, contests, scholarships, and the Axton Reading Series (which brings highly distinguished writers from across the country to the University of Louisville for two-day visits to read from their work and to share their knowledge and expertise with the University and Louisville community).