Priyanka Shrestha
2020 Literary Arts Scholarship Recipient
Priyanka, an aspiring writer, traces her love for writing back to her love for reading and the captivating words that filled her imagination. With a passion for manipulating words and crafting stories, she finds joy in rearranging them to create different sounds and flavors. Her grandmother serves as a significant inspiration, as she was unable to embrace her own identity as a writer. Priyanka's parents, as immigrants, have faced challenges but have worked tirelessly to provide her with opportunities to freely express herself through writing.
Recognizing the privilege of having a voice, Priyanka feels compelled to use hers to bring awareness and effect change through prose. She writes not only for herself but for those who are silenced, including her grandmother and parents, who have faced societal expectations and adversity. Through her writing, Priyanka gives voice to the oppressed, shedding light on various perspectives and challenging societal norms. She aims to celebrate the beauty in the world while critiquing its imperfections, unafraid to tackle taboo topics and provoke thought and emotion.
Understanding that writing will always be a part of her life, Priyanka seeks to study it seriously and expand her knowledge and skills. By participating in the Iowa Young Writers' Studio, she hopes to delve deeper into the craft, learning techniques and styles from experienced writers and engaging with a community of passionate individuals. Through the exchange of voices and ideas, she anticipates leaving with a wealth of thoughts and inspirations to enhance her own writing.