Many young women aspire to be professional writers. Nina Chabanon wants to win writing’s highest honor: the Pulitzer Prize. The Miami native currently attends New York University and is pursuing her dream of creative writing. As a 1,000 Dreams Fund Fall 2017 Scholarship recipient, she hopes to learn from iconic writers that she’s always looked up to.

What is your professional dream?

I want to be a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer; the kind that my idols would talk about.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I’m going to use this scholarship as a means to pay for a creative writing workshop at NYU and to study under some of my icons such as renowned poet Angelo Nikolopoulos.

How is this helping you get closer to your dream? 

If I can study in such a close-knit environment under one of my idols, I know I can reach a level of artistry that I can truly be proud of and that will make an actual difference in the world.

​What advice do you have for other young women looking to go for their dreams?

There’s nothing about being a woman that should stop you from doing anything. In fact, it should be embraced. Being a woman has afforded me life experiences that have strengthened my character and made me even more sure of my goals. Focus on your perspective of the world. Your worldview is your most valuable asset.

​Any setbacks? How did you get around them? 

I’m in a very precarious financial position. Through scholarships and federal loans, I am able to attend an amazing school and get the education of my dreams.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

I’m going to continue pursuing my degree in creative writing and hopefully get published before I graduate in 2021.