Tina A. Brown had just started the low-residency MFA in Narrative Media Writing at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication when she was faced with a health challenge. Just three months into her MFA Narrative Nonfiction program, Brown had a stroke. She was forced to re-learn how to speak, read and write. 

With the help of her speech therapist and MFA instructors, she regained her language. Brown had to work twice as hard to meet her deadlines. Thanks to the encouragement of her peers and professors, Brown was able to graduate with a UGA MFA degree.

“I believe my writing community at UGA MFA provided my lifeline,” Brown said.

Now that Brown is an alumna, she hopes to transition from being an administrative assistant and a freelance reporter to a literary nonfiction storyteller and professor in journalism. She chose UGA because it was the perfect fit. Brown had been looking for a low-residency MFA program since she had lost her job as a veteran news reporter during the recession.

The biggest impact that UGA has had on her was Valerie Boyd, the director of the MFA in Narrative Nonfiction program. Boyd created a great writing community with talented writers and teachers that helped Brown every step of the way. Her instructors taught her to juggle writing with other responsibilities, including her health. They encouraged her to also research her subjects and write compelling, true stories. According to Brown, she is writing every day or thinking about writing every day.

One piece of advice Brown would offer new UGA online students is to embrace your personal story because it will help you write with empathy. Now, Brown is a graduate from UGA and is reaching towards her dreams. In her free time, Brown loves gardening, cooking, going to the movies and beach.