Tinna Flores

by Casey Gauntt

in 2023 Recipients

Tinna Flores with Professor Danzy Senna
Photo by: Steve Cohn www.stevecohnphotography.com (310) 277-2054 © 2023

Majors: Narrative Studies; Literary Editing & Publishing
2023 Jimmy Award Recipient

Graduating from USC felt like an impossible dream to me. I am profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to study under such a distinguished faculty and staff and to learn alongside so many talented students. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in narrative studies, which essentially is a degree in storytelling across different mediums and cultures. I will continue my studies at USC working towards a master’s degree in literary editing & publishing. In other words, I believe in the power of stories.

As an undergrad, I lead a creative writing workshop with residents at a drug and alcohol treatment facility not affiliated with USC.  Encouraging others, especially those who may not believe in the power of their voices, feels like the most important thing I get to do.

My hope is to continue being a part of storytelling, perhaps as an editor in a publishing house or even as a writer. Or more importantly, in ways I can’t yet even imagine. What has always drawn me to stories is the magic that happens when a voice reaches out from off a page, across a stage, through a painting or photograph, or along the rhythm of a piece of music. The ways we crave connection and the mad hope required to pour something of oneself into creative work to reach someone else strikes me as so beautifully and vulnerably human. I can think of no greater privilege.

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