Piper Bringman

Piper Bringman is a creative writing minor expected to graduate in 2027. Despite being new to the program, she has a lot of writing experience. Piper has already published a book of short stories and a short collection of poems titled ‘Cardboard Wings’. Her latest book, ‘Coalescence’, is a compilation of daydreams, wonderings, nightmares, and school assignments, all compiled into a mixture of thoughts. It is a combination of fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and nonfiction, making it a beautiful and unique piece.

Piper loves how readers actively engage in the daydreams of a writer. She expresses, “It's such a vulnerable gift to be able to say, ‘Here is what is held in my soul and thoughts. Be kind to it.’ It carries so much power and connection. To know, throughout your whole self, that you are actively creating magic for another person is beautiful to me.”

Emily Kavanagh

Emily Kavanagh is a creative writing and linguistics major expected to graduate in 2025. Last year, she was selected to be part of the Kidd Workshop, where she enjoyed being in a small, supportive group.

When asked about what the creative writing program means to her, she shared, “It gives me a place to learn more about craft and get feedback from my peers and instructors. I can have the chance to try new things creatively within a supportive environment.”

The uplifting environment of the creating writing program is one of the reasons why our program is so great. This small community is an excellent way to learn from others and contribute to the learning experiences of your peers.

Fun fact about Emily: her favorite book series is The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice.

Alexia Ramirez

Alexia Ramirez is a current senior, majoring in psychology and minoring in both creative writing and forensics.

When asked about what the program means to her, she expressed, “The creative writing program seemed to dig deep into the love I have for writing and bring it out of me to test my capabilities of bringing a world to life. It pushes me to pursue and understand the depths of my writing.” This aspect is something we take pride in. The program motivates students to step beyond their comfort zones in their journey toward success.

Fun fact about Alexia: her favorite book series is The Locked Tomb.

Mars Aichler

Mars Aichler is currently an English major and creative writing minor.

They express that their favorite aspect of the creative writing program is, “Being able to do what I love academically with like-minded students who also share the passion for it.”

For some, the creative writing courses don’t even feel like “school”. They are an outlet for writers to explore their passions and grow with others who are like them.

Mars has written 10 books that they aspire to publish one day, including a fantasy duology, a sci-fi trilogy, and various stand-alone works in a variety of genres.

When not writing, you can find Mars drawing, listening to music (specifically Hozier and Florence + The Machine) and collecting shiny things.

Lauren Annisa

Lauren Annisa is a current senior majoring in marine biology and minoring in creative writing.

She loves the intersection of science and art, stating, “I think stories and poetry are wonderful ways to share knowledge and connect with others in ways that formal scientific literature can’t.”

Through the creative writing program, she has found an outlet to explore her passions and as gained so much confidence through her creative writing courses. “Sharing stories and poems will forever be a very vulnerable process, but the barrier between my writing and the rest of the world is fading - as is the weight on my shoulders.”

Being part of a community that shares her passion, she intends to hold onto the lessons she has learned for the rest of her life.

Ryan Pearl

Ryan Pearl is a junior majoring in journalism and minoring in creative writing.

What he values the most about the creative writing program is the people. Ryan says, “I have made some great friends because of the vulnerable nonjudgmental environment the program fosters, and the teachers I have had in the three creative writing classes I have taken were amazing. Open and easy to talk to, but also so smart and knowledgeable and gave great feedback.”

Beyond his creative writing classes, Ryan enjoys writing in his free time, watching movies and listening to music. He recently published an article about Professor Matthew Dickman in Eugene Weekly.

Rogan deCalesta

Rogan is a current junior majoring in media studies and double minoring in science communication and creative writing.

They love how “knowledgeable and different the faculty and GEs are. Everyone has a different style, a different specialty and something unique to teach.”

Through the classes they are taking, Rogan is discovering their personal writing style and values the opportunity to tell meaningful stories. They feel a sense of belonging at UO, thanks to a program and community that encourages individuals to be themselves and explore their creative side.

Elliot McLain

Elliot McLain is majoring in comparative literature with a minor in queer studies and creative writing.

They emphasize that the creative writing program is a place for them to improve their writing and meet other people who are also passionate about writing. Collaborating with peers provides an excellent opportunity for learning and growing, and Elliot's experience exemplifies the valuable relationships you can build in the program.

In their free time, Elliot enjoys writing fiction and going out for coffee or sushi.

Zo Hill Sparks

Meet Zo Hill Sparks, a junior majoring in environmental science and minoring in creative writing and biology. Throughout their time in the creative writing program, they have developed a love for writing. Zo says, “I'm a STEM major with a lot of science-based classes, and my creative writing classes are a safe little artistic oasis for me. I can express myself, focus on the intersectional aspects of my identity and find other people who are also passionate about writing. I love creating and I'm glad that a space is available for me to express myself.”

A fun fact about Zo is that they create a “monthly” newsletter for their family and long-distance friends. It’s a way for them to share their creative talents.