The annual release of the Mariposa Literary Review is always thrilling, as it not only shines a spotlight on talented Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) students, but it also highlights the collaborative efforts with faculty and staff that help bring the final product to fruition. The 2015-2016 anthology features poetry, playwriting, fiction, creative nonfiction, and original artwork by students from across the college. It’s a testament to the creative nature of the participating students – demonstrating imagination, emotion, humor, and talent.
This year’s first-place winners of the Mariposa Literary Review include EMCC students Felicia Smith-Welch (fiction), Sondra Taylor (nonfiction) and Almond Cutright (poetry). Other winners include Sabrina Sanchez, Taylor Hollcroft, Samuel A. Ortiz, Sadie Bird, Andrea Beltran Vega, and Patricia Ross. Published works were selected through a juried review by college faculty and staff, and winners were selected by guest judge Mary Sojourner, a published novelist.
Many students from EMCC’s Creative Writing program, overseen by English faculty Dr. Carlotta Abrams, and fine arts classes, contribute to the literary review. Abrams represents the creative writing area throughout the district and coordinates related efforts at EMCC. The 24-credit, certificate program teaches courses in poetry, fiction, creative and personal writing, and playwriting. Abrams noted that EMCC also tries to include regular visits from literary figures as often as possible to enhance this area of learning.
EMCC alumna Glenda Muckleroy was the first graduate of this program and says that she benefitted greatly. “I learned how to organize my thoughts and put them on paper to be able to make a structure out of them,” she said. “I also learned a lot about myself through the process.”
The Mariposa Literary Review is available throughout campus and can be read online.