GrubStreet is thrilled to congratulate writer Ashley D'Souza! Ashley wrote a reported essay that was published in Pride Source this March about their queer identity, finding community through birdwatching, and diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. The subject matter is near and dear to their heart and they’re thrilled that the piece is out in the world. They were helped by GrubStreet’s “Writing Climate Essays and Op-Eds” class taught by Ethan Gilsdorf.

We asked Ashley how their time at GrubStreet influenced their accomplishment:

"My GrubStreet coursework gave me the practice and foundation I needed as a new writer to pursue writing seriously, and my supportive classmates and instructors gave me the courage to keep writing by believing in my work when I didn’t. I’m particularly grateful to 'Writing Climate Essays and Op-Eds' with Ethan Gilsdorf; the class opened my eyes to the world of environmental journalism, which I’m now pursuing as my career."

Do you have writing news and want to be featured in the Department of Congratulations? Every Thursday, we feature the good news of GrubStreet community members in our newsletter, Spreading the Love. To be included, please fill out this form. Not only will you be featured in our weekly newsletter, you may be featured in a blog post on our website!