Graduate Student Spotlight: Sabrina Spence – A Poet, Educator, and Community Builder

We’re thrilled to spotlight Sabrina Spence, a third-year MFA graduate student in Creative Writing (Poetry) at the University of Memphis. A Memphis native, Sabrina’s academic journey has brought her full circle—returning to the city where she grew up, enriched by her experiences and ready to give back to the community that helped shape her.

A Journey Rooted in Home and Passion

Sabrina’s connection to UofM began long before she joined the MFA program. Growing up, she spent years on campus taking piano lessons. This early connection, coupled with the opportunity to work on The Pinch, the university’s literary journal, made UofM a clear choice when it came to pursuing her graduate studies. The program’s strong sense of community and impressive guest reading series, which has featured renowned poets like Ada Limón and Hanif Abdurraqib, further solidified her decision.

“I loved the idea of coming home for graduate school. The small program size fosters a close-knit community, and I’ve been able to build meaningful connections with both faculty and fellow students.”

Building Connections and Creating Opportunities

One of Sabrina’s standout experiences has been her role as Event Coordinator for The Pinch. For three consecutive terms, she’s taken pride in planning and executing release parties, complete with unique themes. Drawing on her background in stage management, she has skillfully orchestrated these events and cherished bonding with her peers through conferences like the Southern Festival of Books.

“Working on The Pinch has been incredibly rewarding. It’s given me the chance to collaborate with amazing people and bring creative visions to life. These experiences have shaped me personally and professionally.”

Overcoming Challenges with a Strong Support System

Balancing her own coursework with teaching first-year writing courses presented its fair share of challenges. Sabrina admits that the dual responsibilities of being a student and an instructor can be overwhelming, especially in the second and third years of the program. However, she credits her support system for helping her navigate the tough moments.

Her advice to others facing similar struggles?
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and lean on your support system. Everyone is going through it together, and it’s important to rely on the people who understand what you’re experiencing.”

A Lifelong Love for Poetry and Learning

Sabrina’s love for poetry began in a hospital waiting room when she was just nine years old. After being diagnosed with cancer, she found solace in writing poetry—an outlet that not only helped her cope but also sparked a lifelong passion for creative expression. By age 13, she knew she wanted to pursue an MFA after being inspired by an instructor during a summer program at Vanderbilt.

“Since then, it’s been my dream to earn an MFA. I’ve always loved learning, and this program allows me to study what I love at the highest level.”

Looking Ahead: Aspirations in Academia

While Sabrina isn’t entirely sure of her long-term career path, one thing is certain—she envisions a future in academia. Whether she ends up teaching courses on Black women and poetry as resistance or coordinating events for university departments, she knows her passion lies in education and fostering meaningful connections with students.

“Graduate school has changed my perspective. Initially, I didn’t think teaching was for me, but after three semesters of doing it, I’ve discovered how much I enjoy it.”

An Inspiring Story of Resilience and Growth

Sabrina’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and personal growth. From her early love of poetry to her current role as a leader in the UofM graduate community, she embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and dedication.

As she continues her journey, we look forward to seeing how she will inspire future generations—whether through poetry, teaching, or her contributions to academia.