I just received my Creative Writing Certificate from UC Davis Extension, which took me back to my post in April, where I said, “I hope it is printed on ivory, premium quality paper and has my name and the name of the creative writing program displayed in impressive type and has the seal of UC Davis Extension embossed on the bottom somewhere–in gold.”
Well. It didn’t disappoint. Premium quality ivory paper, my name and the name of the creative writing program in impressive type, the seal of UC Davis Extension embossed on the bottom–in gold.
Can’t get much better than that.
So am I going to frame my certificate and hang it in a prominent place in my office, where I can see it each time I sit down to write?
You bet. I’ll pick out the frame tomorrow.
Oh yes, make that three frames.
In my April post, I also pointed out that I had a BA degree and teaching credential stuck in the safe for more years than I’m willing to mention and that I was going frame all three documents and display them with pride in my office.
Because if it weren’t for the foundation I built in my youth, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am a writer of fiction. And I love it. And it’s something I will devote the rest of my life to.
Along with my certificate, I received two congratulatory letters; one from Dennis Pendleton, Dean of UC Davis Extension, and one from Kate Ashe, Associate Director of Arts and Humanities.
Kate’s letter made a special impression on me, because it was personal and written from the heart. She taught my first UC Davis Extension Creative Writing class (Reading Contemporary Fiction as a Writer) and the second-to-last (Structure and Style), and thereby followed my progress from beginning to end. She encouraged my comments about the program along the way and responded enthusiastically each time.
In her letter, Kate stated that I was first student to complete this new program. “The first on over the line.” She asked me to keep in touch so we could celebrate my future writing successes together, beginning with my upcoming publication in Sacramento’s Tule Review.
How good is that?
Thank you, Kate. Thank you, UC Davis Extension.
Wish me luck.
