My name is Nastassja Anderson but everyone calls me Nas. I am Jersey-born, but island-raised.Naturally, I find my peace at the beach or anywhere in nature. The waves, the salt air, the stillness of the trees, those are my reset buttons.

I’m a creative through and through. When I’m not writing or reading, you’ll probably find me hunched over a pile of Lego, or grading papers and trying to decipher my students’ handwriting.

Just last year I was student teaching and starting my first teaching job as an 11th grade English teacher in my hometown. Teaching in the age of AI grows increasingly difficult as the days, months, even seconds go by. While we teachers are encouraged to use it to make our work easier, I also make it my duty to teach my students how to use it responsibly. I chose to take this course not us for me but for the enrichment my pedagogy.

My love for literature and writing is what led me into education and, ultimately, here. While I’ve been fortunate enough to become a published author, I see myself first and foremost as a learner. Writing is an ongoing process of discovery, and I’m here in this program to grow alongside other creatives, to refine my voice, and to continue shaping my craft.

I’m excited to learn from all of you, and to share this critical journey together.