Salama Patrick’s passion for writing and storytelling began at a young age. She enjoyed using her imagination to create captivating stories and poems for her loved ones. Her dedication to pursuing writing led Patrick to transfer to Brooklyn College to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.  

Throughout her studies, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA, secured a spot on the Dean’s List every semester, and received multiple English Department awards. Patrick has even participated in the Mellon Transfer Student Research Program, where she combined her background in theater and literature and examined race in Shakespeare’s works. After graduation, Patrick hopes to become a professional writer for television or create poetry and young adult fiction novels. She is ready to make her mark as a professional writer. 

 What did you study at Brooklyn College? 

I studied creative writing after realizing that writing is what I’m most passionate about. I believe that it’s my fundamental purpose to pursue my passion. I spent my childhood writing poems and short stories for my loved ones to enjoy. Now my lifelong hobby has become my craft. While pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts, I’ve had the opportunity to both create consistently and refine my skills. 

 What was your favorite creative writing course and what made it so special? 

My poetry sequence course. This course helped me to become a more thoughtful writer. It was a delight to learn, create, share, and dissect in that class. This class also provided a safe space and a writing community for me. 

 You’ve participated in the Mellon Transfer Student Research Program. Tell us about your independent study and why you think more people should explore Shakespeare’s works.  

For the Mellon Transfer Student Research Program, my work was centered on depictions of Blackness in Shakespeare’s plays via an analysis of language and its etymology. I think more people should explore Shakespeare’s works because he was truly a magician regarding language. Many of the idioms we use today come from lines spoken by his characters. I think it’s important for me to add that though Shakespeare’s stories are eternal, they are nonetheless worthy of critique. 

Did you have a staff or faculty mentor at the college who had a particularly significant influence on your academic career? 

It’s too difficult to choose just one, so I will mention a few—Professor Dale Byam, Professor Tanya Pollard, Professor Julie Agoos and Professor Matthew Burgess. They’ve all made learning and creating an absolute joy! They’ve challenged me to resist complacency and helped me hone my skills as an academic and a writer. Lastly, they’ve all gifted me with flowers of encouragement and validation. I am forever grateful. 

 Is there anything you’ve accomplished that you are especially proud of? 

I started this degree mere months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Throughout my time at Brooklyn College, I’ve managed to ace all my courses despite having a job in childcare and not even owning a laptop or computer. I’m proud of that. 

 What are your plans for after graduation? 

I hope to pursue a professional writing career. Ultimately, I’d love to become a television writer and showrunner. However, I have a deep love for poetry and young adult fiction, so I would also like to publish works in those fields. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m quite a diligent worker. 

 Any advice for future grads? 

 Talk to your classmates! Make connections and find your community! Lean on them! These will likely be the people that you’ll continue to lean on once you enter the working world.