Thomas Street

Thomas Street, an alumnus of SVSU's Creative Writing program from the class of 2023, is making a meaningful impact in Portland, Oregon. He works for College Possible, a nonprofit dedicated to helping high school students shape their futures. From a young age, Thomas dreamed of being a writer, and his time at SVSU helped him find and refine his creative voice. He’s currently channeling that passion into writing a play, inspired by his volunteer experience with the SVSU Theatre department.

Life at SVSU

Reflecting on his time at SVSU, Thomas knew he wanted to pursue Creative Writing right from the start. His classes, particularly with Dr. Vincent Samarco, were instrumental in shaping his writing voice. A standout moment was a writing seminar with just eight students, creating an intimate setting that fostered strong connections and deeper discussions.

In addition to his Creative Writing major, Thomas took on a Theatre minor. His experience in the program was unlike any other, as he navigated classes during the Covid pandemic. When everything shifted to virtual learning, he learned the art of acting and directing over Zoom. When in-person classes resumed, he felt he had gained two unique perspectives: one for engaging with an online audience and the other for live performances. This dual education, guided by supportive professors like Tommy Wedge, taught him valuable lessons about growth through mistakes.

Life Beyond SVSU

After graduating in May 2023, Thomas tapped into the resources at the Career Center to refine his resume and prepare for job interviews. His journey led him to College Possible, where he supports disadvantaged high school students in Portland. He enjoys working closely with a cohort of 40 students, tailoring his approach to highlight their individual strengths as they prepare for the ACT and begin considering college options.

Outside of his nonprofit work, Thomas is exploring a new frontier in his writing. Previously focused on fantasy, he is now crafting a historical fiction play. This shift was inspired by his time spent volunteering for the production of “columbinus” with the SVSU Theatre Department. Thomas is excited to embark on this new creative path and eagerly anticipates where it will lead him next.

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