The reason why I am pursuing a creative Writing degree
I got to know some folks in the Creative Writing Facebook group in 2022. Authors and writers could gather in this group to discuss writing. One day, when someone asked whether anyone wanted to join a writing club, I replied “yes,” along with a few other people. I asked in that brief amount of time whether anyone was aware of any degree programs in creative writing that I could enroll in. One individual among the five informed me that she graduated from Full Sail University with a degree in creative writing. She said she was only interested in giving it a try. I decided to apply after a few months had passed.
I initially replied that I am a published author and that I believe there should be more disability-related books and films in the business when the Full Sail University admissions staff contacted and asked me why I selected that specific degree program.
In one of my classes, I made a new friend. She and I are both pursuing the same degree. A few months later, she inquired as to why I intended to seek a degree in writing. Initially, I explained to her that it was because one of my brothers and cousins on my mom’s side, used to perform for our family when I was a child; we had a script and all. I also mentioned to her the necessity for more writers with disabilities in the literary field. She concurred with me. Then I revealed to her that, although I write as Jhana, I’m actually Jhana the crippled girl when I’m not writing. When I speak or express my opinions about some subjects, I don’t feel valued unless I’m writing.
However, another friend of mine runs a group called Made for more Mindset and Business Strategies for purpose-led influencers. She poses the question, “How do you stay committed to your goals when faced with challenges?” to that group. I informed her that in 2021 my uncle passed away. We didn’t have a happy ending. My true dreams became clear to me after his death. His picture motivates me to keep going even though I was on the verge of giving up. Despite the fact that we had no communication at all before his death, I want to make him proud of me. I read poems and other works of mine to him every time we spoke. And that’s what brought us together most. I’m finally doing what I love, which is why I’m pursuing this degree in creative writing. Despite my impairment, writing has always supported me when I want to communicate or express myself. I want to keep writing because I have more to say than simply my story of spina bifida and hydrocephalus — this is the first time in my life that I’m excellent at something.
Because of my career, I am able to tell the stories that need to be told. I enjoy developing characters who face the same challenges as people with disabilities. I can share my struggles with the world as a girl with a physical disability in the hopes of educating those who are unaware of the daily struggles faced by those with disabilities. I help myself by helping others. I wouldn’t know what I would be doing if writing wasn’t my passion and my life.
Since you are the only one who can realize your dream of becoming a writer, I would advise all authors — disabled writers included — to figure out why they want to pursue a profession in writing if they enjoy writing.
