Tiara Rankin

From the moment I could hold a pencil, storytelling became my way of connecting with the world. I chose to pursue Creative Writing and English with a concentration in fiction because I believe stories are one of the most powerful tools we have to explore identity, challenge injustice, and inspire empathy. Writing is not only a creative outlet but a means of bridging gaps, allowing us to step into the shoes of others and see the world through perspectives we might never have encountered. It is my goal to use my words to make a difference—both personally and for others.

Growing up as a woman of color, I often found myself searching for stories that reflected my own culture, struggles, and experiences. When I couldn't find them, I decided to create them, not only for myself but for others who also felt unseen. This drive to give voice to underrepresented perspectives is at the core of my commitment to becoming a fiction writer who tells stories that matter.

In addition to my creative work, I have maintained a high academic standing, consistently earning recognition for my achievements, such as being named to the President's List twice. These academic milestones highlight my dedication to my craft, balancing multiple responsibilities while striving for excellence.

My current journey has built a solid foundation for the future I envision: becoming a published author, a creative writing educator, and a professional who uses storytelling to inspire change. Each milestone, whether academic or personal, has reaffirmed my commitment to these goals. I want to write fiction that challenges stereotypes, uplifts marginalized voices, and fosters emotional connections. Through my stories, I seek to create characters and worlds that reflect real-life complexities, offering readers both understanding and escape.

Beyond writing novels, my ultimate career path includes teaching creative writing at the high school or college level, inspiring young writers to find their voices. I also aspire to build a small publishing platform that highlights diverse authors and stories that are often overlooked in mainstream literature. I see fiction as a tool for transformation—whether through a fantasy tale or a contemporary story about identity and resilience. Writing, for me, will always carry the purpose of making people feel seen, understood, and inspired.

To support these goals, my academic achievements in creative writing and literature have provided both technical skills and critical insights necessary for impactful storytelling. My work, such as analyzing literature through feminist and psychoanalytic lenses, has sharpened my ability to write thoughtfully and purposefully. My role as a paraeducator, working closely with children, has deepened my understanding of communication, empathy, and engagement—skills that will serve me well in the classroom as I help students develop their own writing abilities.

Building a small business with my sister has also been pivotal in my career path. This experience has honed my entrepreneurial skills, from branding to marketing, which I can directly apply to promoting my writing and creating a platform for others. Moreover, my ongoing work on my fantasy novel series Birth of a Warrior has allowed me to refine my craft, develop complex characters, and tell stories that empower and inspire young readers.

Ultimately, every step I’ve taken—from academic achievements to entrepreneurial ventures—has moved me closer to the life I envision: as a published author, a creative writing educator, and an advocate for diverse voices in literature. The path ahead may be challenging, but each achievement thus far has only reinforced my passion and determination to make a meaningful impact through storytelling.

After completing my SNHU bachelor's degree, I will return to SNHU and my graduate interests will be centered on refining my writing craft, gaining a deeper understanding of literary theory, and expanding my skills to pursue a career that blends both creative and academic pursuits. As a writer who has always sought to connect with others through storytelling, my academic journey has shaped a clear vision for my future: to become a published author, an educator in creative writing, and a champion for diverse voices in literature. Each step along the way has helped me develop both the creative and professional tools necessary for realizing these aspirations.

My commitment to writing began at an early age, rooted in the desire to tell stories that reflect my personal experiences and the cultural narratives that often go untold. As a woman of color, I recognized the absence of stories that truly captured my identity, struggles, and joys. Instead of waiting for others to fill this gap, I chose to create my own stories—ones that not only speak to my experience but to the experiences of others who have long been overlooked. In graduate school, I hope to further explore how storytelling can address the lack of representation in mainstream literature, using my work as a platform to uplift marginalized voices and perspectives.

Building on my undergraduate achievements, which include a strong academic record and recognition on the President’s List, I am determined to continue excelling and broadening my expertise in creative writing. One of my key graduate interests will be to deepen my understanding of literary techniques, particularly in the realms of characterization, narrative structure, and thematic development. These technical skills will help me elevate my writing and make it more impactful for readers. Additionally, I aim to explore literary theory more comprehensively—particularly feminist, postcolonial, and psychoanalytic theories—to apply these frameworks to my own writing and further enrich my storytelling.

Alongside my creative aspirations, I am passionate about teaching writing to the next generation of students. As a current paraeducator in the Special Education Department, I have gained valuable insights into effective communication and student engagement, and I look forward to building on these experiences as I pursue a graduate degree. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to inspire and mentor young writers at the high school or college level, helping them find their unique voices and develop their craft. Graduate studies will provide me with the pedagogical knowledge and skills to be an effective teacher, enabling me to create a classroom environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and empathy.

In addition to my academic and creative pursuits, I am deeply committed to entrepreneurship. The experience of building a small business with my sister has taught me essential skills in branding, marketing, and business management—skills that I can apply to promoting my own work as well as the work of other emerging authors. I am especially interested in establishing a small publishing platform that highlights underrepresented voices in literature, offering a space where diverse authors and their stories can flourish.

Finally, my work on my ongoing fantasy novel series, Birth of a Warrior, has been instrumental in refining my writing process. It has allowed me to experiment with complex characters, intricate world-building, and plot development—all of which I will continue to explore in graduate school. I am eager to further develop these aspects of my writing, while also taking the opportunity to study how storytelling can transcend genres and engage with universal themes such as identity, resilience, and empowerment.

In summary, my graduate studies will be a crucial step in my journey toward becoming a published author and a creative writing educator. I aim to further refine my craft, explore literary theories that will deepen my writing, and gain the skills necessary to teach and mentor future writers. Ultimately, my goal is to use storytelling as a tool for social change—one that fosters empathy, challenges injustice, and celebrates the richness of diverse human experiences. Each milestone in my academic and professional journey has moved me closer to this vision, and I am excited to continue building on this foundation as I work toward making a meaningful impact in the world of literature.