I’m more open to trying new things; trying to accept failures as they come and learning from them.

This summer is the safest and most heard I’ve ever felt.

I’m more confident in science now. I’m also more interested in it as well.

The Octavia Project holds a special place in my heart for giving us the opportunity to have a community dedicated to all that Octavia Butler stood for.

The Octavia Project is filled with some of the most bright, caring people I’ve ever met.

I have never had as much confidence as I did from this program, not just in my writing, but in myself as a woman of color.

The Octavia Project is a place of comfort and inspiration. It is a place to explore and find new ideas and tools and to challenge yourself beyond what you thought you could ever do.

I feel more confident in my artistic and writing endeavors… My career path is clearer; I’m more determined and motivated to pursue it.

I saw more people who looked like me in positions of power. I learned that you don’t need to be old, rich and white to be successful.

When N.K. Jemisin came to speak to us, it was so relevant to me as a Black woman who likes fantasy and science fiction but doesn’t get represented often in either.