Area of study: Creative Writing (English, Masters)
Degrees: BA in Playwrighting and Dramaturg, MA in Theory of Dramatic Arts and Media
Hometown: Banjauka, Bosnia and Hercegovina
Why did you select your program?
I gained a Fulbright stipend at UNL. Apart from that, I wanted to experience the U.S. Creative Writing programs and workshops, since there are not many opportunities in my country to actually learn something about Creative Writing as a discipline. My culture focuses more on teaching playwriting, which I deeply appreciate, but I wanted to broaden my horizons a bit, maybe by trying to write more fiction.
What has been your best experience as a graduate student at Nebraska?
An opportunity to learn things about American history and culture. An opportunity to engage in conversations with brilliant writers, poets, theorists, and people.
Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?
I enjoyed Amanda Gailey's classes quite a lot. This professor is both intellectually and personally inspiring in so many ways.
Do you have research experience? If so, please describe.
I did an MA back in Belgrade, Serbia, at the University of Arts in Belgrade. It was on dramatic theory, questioning the dramatic structure of three contemporary Serbian playwrights (Tanja Sljivar, Maja Pelevic, Dimitrije Kokanov) to confirm the hypothesis that the dramatical structure of these writings shows patriarchal discourses on a woman and sexual violence (especially acts of initiation into patriarchal society - rape being seen as a "rite-of-passage").
What are your plans once you have earned the degree?
To write. Always to write.
