Send Sofia to the Southampton Writers Conference!

Hi, friends! I have some exciting news to share, and a small favor to ask.

I recently learned that I was selected to attend the Southampton Writers Conference at Stonybrook Southampton University in an weeklong, intimate workshop with the incredible Carmen Giménez, a distinguished poet and the executive director of Graywolf Press! I am beyond stunned and humbled.

When I first attended this conference, I was 19 and had just graduated college. My parents gifted me my tuition, housing, and transportation to celebrate my accomplishments, and I’m eternally grateful for their generosity and support—not only financially, but as the sources of my passion, drive, work ethic, and love. Thanks to them, I was transformed by a week of workshops with two-time US Poet Laureate Billy Collins.

This conference showed me that I belonged in the literary world. It’s why I started my MFA in creative writing. It’s why I walked into the high school classroom to teach at 20 years old. It remains the most influential experience of my journey as a writer and educator.

As I enter my final year of the MFA program and my first semester of teaching at the university level, I can’t imagine a more impactful time to return to Southampton. I’m so excited to learn, grow, and bring my insight back to my students.

That said, this conference is expensive, even with the generous scholarship I was awarded. Tuition alone is $1,500, and I’m hoping to raise an additional $500 to help cover transportation costs and offset a portion of the wages I’ll miss while attending. My goal is to make this experience less of a sacrifice for both myself and my family. I’m currently working three jobs, paying college tuition and rent, and feeding my daughter, Margaret (my cat).

If you’re able to help, even a small contribution would mean the world. Your support will help me take on this opportunity without putting extra strain on myself or my family. More than that, it will allow me to keep investing in the communities I serve through education.

If you can’t give financially, I’m grateful for your love and encouragement. And if you do contribute, I’d be honored to send you a handwritten note and a poem as thanks.

Thank you for believing in me. Always.

All love all the time,

Sofia Zamora-Wiley