Undergraduate Degree: Colby College - Bachelor in Arts, German

Graduate Degree: Tufts University - Master of Arts, German

Graduate Degree: Pine Manor College - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing

As a passionate multilingual poet, I love the freedom to write poems. Yes, I know the rules, but in poetry, we can break them! Since 4th grade, when a teacher taught me how to keep a journal, I've been writing in a journal ever since. This daily ritual helps me to gather my thoughts and reflect on the joys and challenges in my life. I am fascinated by visual art in every form, particularly by women and by women of color. Some of my favorite visual and textile artists include Dindga McCannon, Faith Ringgold, Hannah, Hoech, Kaethe Kollwitz, and Myrna Arocho Martinez. I love learning and teaching languages within cultural contexts. Puerto Rican Spanish is my first language; American English is my second; German is my third; and Farsi, the language spoken in Iran, is my fourth. Some of my hobbies include used book-store hopping and shopping; enjoying art in art museums and galleries; and being visually inspired by public murals. Whenever I drive, I stop for murals!