It was only a couple of months ago that I wrote about Keep Toronto Reading – an article that referenced the great influence Diaspora Dialogues had on me. This month, and three years after my first encounter with the organization, Diaspora Dialogues has offered me yet another opportunity: acceptance into their 2011 mentorship program. I’m ecstatic. Mentorship begins this month (perfectly scheduled at the end of my Humber program) and goes until September. At the end of the program, I will have the opportunity to submit my work to TOK for publication, as well as read at a Diaspora Dialogues event (eek! Public speaking!).

Whenever opportunities like this come around – a scholarship, a mentorship, a publication – I am always overjoyed and overwhelmed with the mind-boggling idea that someone else has seen value in my work. In a way, it’s validation for all the long nights and early mornings, and an extra push towards my goal. On top of anything else, I am most appreciative of this – of the extra encouragement and the opportunity to better my craft.

I am so appreciative of this opportunity and excited to start working with my mentor, Olive Senior. My submission, “Next Time,” is a short story pulled from the novel I am currently working on. I am excited to see how it will evolve under scrutiny and guidance.

Thank you, Diaspora Dialogues! Yet again, you’ve made all the difference.