Kean University students succeed in publishing creative writing

Students and alumni of Kean’s Department of English Studies have had short stories, poetry and other creative works published, and at least one is close to seeing her novel in print.

“To be able to say I’m a published writer means so much to me and my career,” said Rabia Ashraf, Class of ’20, of Union, who had a poem, an essay and two short stories published and recently signed with a literary agent, as she seeks to publish her novel about a South Asian Muslim mother and her daughter in New York City post-9/11.

The American-born daughter of Pakistani-Indian immigrants, Ashraf said she was encouraged by her Kean professors to share her perspective.

“As a person of color and a daughter of immigrants, I realize the importance of words and the power they possess,” Ashraf said. “Kean University played a huge role in my writing career.”

Kean boasts more than 200 English majors, who learn from faculty, many of whom are published authors themselves.

“Getting published is a major accomplishment that our students, and anyone who achieves it, should be proud of,” said College of Liberal Arts acting Dean Jonathan Mercantini. “Publication shows you have done something new and original and contributed to our larger world. It is a great honor.”

Kean adjunct instructor William Mesce, a screenwriter and author, teaches creative writing and other classes. Being published is not required for class, he said, but he looks for student work he feels may fit various literary sources and guides students who want to publish.

“If a student is serious about pursuing writing in any way, they need to learn the ropes — gauging whether a publication may be a good fit for their material, tailor- ing work for specific publications and dealing with rejection,” Mesce said.

“Even if work is accepted at a small online literary journal, when you make your next submission, it’s part of your pitch. Perhaps most importantly, it helps a student’s self-confidence. That first publication provides valuable validation for an aspiring writer.”

Kathryn Birchfield, Class of ’22, an English writing major, is now a graduate student in writing studies at Kean. The Alabama native attended Kean to be near New York City, intending to enter publishing sales.

Instead, she fell in love with writing and editing, and hopes to become an editor.

“I’ve always said that I write to breathe,” said Birchfield, whose short story, “Cold Love,” was published and republished under the pen name Katie Lane Dei. “I see my story and name alongside all of these other writers and it is kind of crazy. I feel incredibly thankful to these publications for taking a chance on me and my story.”

Amanda Vogel, of Linden, an undergraduate communication studies major, has seen three of her pieces published digitally, and one in print. She said she would like to become a music journalist.

“I love the idea of producing content in a way that people forget they're reading when they read my pieces – something light, fun and maybe a bit funny,” she said. “I love having my work published. It’s like, ‘Hey, Mom, look what I did!’ in such a powerful way.”

The writers all said they’ve experienced rejection, too, part of the process for virtually all who seek to publish.

“It’s a terrifying feeling, but it’s important to remind myself that the work I do matters,” Ashraf said. “All it takes is one yes.”

SPECIAL DRAGONS NAMES STUDENT OF THE WEEK — Special Dragons is honoring its Student of the Week from Union. This is Marquis. Marquis is one of the most improved students. He has attended the most lessons. Marquis requires less and less guidance in class. He works with his mother and cousin in class, but he is learning to do what is required of him independently. He runs sprints, goes through stretching exercises and basic karate techniques, and learns new techniques. Marquise is learning how to work with others. He will work with a partner, small group and as a single member of the class.

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Physical activity and well-being initiative offered for cancer survivors

he Gateway Family YMCA announced registration for the next Livestrong at the YMCA program, beginning Thursday, May 18, at the Wellness Center Branch in Union. Livestrong at the YMCA is a research-based physical activity and wellbeing initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals. The Livestrong at the YMCA program is offered free to cancer survivors to provide support, assistance and a strong community. The program is available at the Wellness Center Branch, 1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, on Thursdays, from 1 to 2 p.m. Interested participants can contact Jodi Pelano at 908-349-9622 or livestrong@tgfymca.org for this program, or to express interest in a future program date or time.

“Research shows exercise is the simplest way for cancer survivors to reduce fatigue, improve their mood and bounce back from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment more quickly,” said Ruth Rechis, Livestrong Foundation vice president of Programs. “But there weren’t enough programs to help people affected by cancer reach their health and wellbeing goals, so Livestrong and the Y joined forces to create Livestrong at the YMCA. The Y is the perfect collaborator because of its national reach, commitment to meeting the needs of all community members and history of program innovation in support of health and wellness.”

As part of Livestrong at the YMCA, the

Y engages cancer survivors through an approach that focuses on the whole person. Participants work with specially trained staff to build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional abili- ty. In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors by providing a supportive community environment where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.

“We provide Livestrong at the YMCA to offer those who have been diagnosed with cancer the support they need to build both emotional and physical strength,” said Melynda A. Disla, president/CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “With a mission centered on balance, the Y strives to be a leading voice on health and wellbeing for our community by providing resources and guidance so that all people, no matter what their circumstance, can achieve greater health and well-being in spirit, mind and body.”

Livestrong at the YMCA is part of a collaboration between YMCA of the USA and the Livestrong Foundation. The foundation is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 32 million people around the world living with cancer today. Livestrong at the YMCA, launched in 2008, is designed to improve the health and dayto-day quality of life for the country’s growing population of cancer survivors and their families.