2017, Archives, May 2017, The MFA Years

In Sickness and In Health

In a perfect world the MFA is straightforward: you go to class, you do your writing, and you teach or work on a literary magazine. When I started at Brooklyn, everything else in my life settled into place, whether it conformed to my busy life or went on temporary hold until I finished my degree.… Continue reading In Sickness and In Health

Butterfly at the Museum of Natural History. Photo Credit: Jess Silfa
2017, Archives, February 2017, The MFA Years

On (Necessary) Self Care

When I was six years old, I started seeing a therapist. There were many reasons why I was in Doctor Davis' care—an overactive imagination, inappropriate concern for World War III, existential dread—but the majority of our sessions revolved around relaxation. He and I played this game where we would try to relax as much as possible,… Continue reading On (Necessary) Self Care

2016, Archives, October 2016, The MFA Years

Accessibility and You (Yes, You)

Although I am carting many identities with me to grad school—Afro-Latinx, low-income, LGBTQ—my disability is often the first hurdle I face when in a new environment. I posted back in March that applying to schools as a disabled applicant had been extremely stressful. I had a hell of a time finding information on a lot… Continue reading Accessibility and You (Yes, You)

2016, Archives, September 2016, The MFA Years

Jess Silfa Introduction Part Deux: Brooklyn College ’18 Edition

Image: Sven-Kåre Evenseth I never thought this could be my life. Since starting grad school I’ve been giddy. Excited. Thrilled beyond belief. The summer was a slow, ticking rise up the roller coaster track and these last two weeks in grad school have been the wondrous fall. I'm still feeling the adrenaline.  I already wrote… Continue reading Jess Silfa Introduction Part Deux: Brooklyn College ’18 Edition