I very much relate to all of this. Not only am I a life long poet (with no formal training just allowing the love of words to flow through me), but I also commit to a life of walking straight into the fire. If I fear it I know it must be done. And also at 47 (and now 49) I went to get my 2nd bachelors, this time a BFA in photography. Happy to follow your journey.
Nice to see you on here @G. K. Allum! We met many years ago in Canary Wharf through our day jobs. Rilke’s words ring true and no, one doesn’t need a piece of paper to validate the poet in oneself. I’m pleased to see we’ve each found space here to write.
Hi! I saw you had subscribed and what a pleasure to meet you in this space, I remember you and that time fondly (I'm over in the US now). I look forward to reading your words.
Congratulations! This is a testament to the power of lived experience, of carving one's own path when the world insists on pre-drawn maps. It speaks to the kind of artistry that isn’t earned through credentials but through the raw act of living.. feeling, losing, searching, and finding oneself in words. The story of acceptance here isn’t just about an MFA program; it is about reclaiming belonging, not in institutions but in one’s own voice.
This is absolutely wonderful writing. I was just replying to you on a note and mentioned imposter syndrome. I think it gets to all of us! Remember, you are just as much a writer as anyone else. It does not matter where we started, what steps we took to be accepted, or how we measure up. You realize as time goes on in the program (rather quickly) that we are all just as much worthy of being there as anyone else. Based on this writing alone, I can confidently say that you will do great in the program and go far. Enjoy every minute of it!
I love that they use “nervous-cited” as a feeling because that is something I feel often and just say I’m both nervous and excited all at the same time. Definitely going to use this term in the future.
So excited for you, and this is a beautiful excerpt. 🙂 How have you managed to balance your personal creative drive (for poetry, photography, etc.) with your professional responsibilities as a marketer? I ask because I’ve been working in content at a digital marketing agency for the last three years or so, and it’s a constant challenge.
It’s a big question, so no worries if you don’t have time to respond. Just thinking out loud.
Good question, hard drugs maybe? I have always been able to manage multiple pathways (just wired that way) and you're meeting V7.4 of G. K. Allum.
During this period, we also moved our young family from the UK to the US. I drive my wife mad with all my ventures but she's very supportive (e.g. self publishing 4 books). I now lead a team of 90+ Marketers, but I was also the European Head of Social and Creative at Sony and then helped build paid media and digital agencies (Jellyfish, if you know them).
The simple answer is I try to always be authentic, whichever version that is, so at work I am successful because I am poetic and bring that to the corporate life. (You can stalk me on LinkedIn if you wish and connect there - Greg Allum at Stand Together)
And a low-res MFA alongside my day-to-day work life will be a challenge, for certain, but it also allows me to redefine my future self.
I can relate since I was also told I couldnt write until i go get a diploma or degree in creative writing. But here I am now, a professional writer with all the skills and works written
First, Congratulations to you on your accomplishments on this yet another big milestone of your life.
Secondly, just a snippet of my thoughts as reading your article, and especially your essay: you are very relatable. Your words, about rhythm, your stories, the relationship with your grandma, the thoughts under the sheets waiting to be found (then lost upon waking up - at least that's the case with me) are all things to which I can very much relate.
Finally, I've never read anyone in English, apart from Russell Baker's Growing up, who was able to make me shout out: That's it! Exactly as he says! He captured it perfectly! I know what he means! At the same time, after having my own experiences, I am at the brink of deleting this all and say: I have to be careful, not to reveal too much of what I think, how I feel. On the other hand though, isn't it what makes writing poetry or prose so nice, the ability to put words to feelings and conveying them in such a way, by grabbing the reader by the collar (as I said earlier, maybe even under one of your posts) or by magnetism, pulling them in.
Just keep going and whenever impostor syndrome comes to play, just hush it. For all of our benefit. :)
The excerpt is beautiful, and your words resonate with me about imposter syndrome and belonging. Thank you for sharing.
I very much relate to all of this. Not only am I a life long poet (with no formal training just allowing the love of words to flow through me), but I also commit to a life of walking straight into the fire. If I fear it I know it must be done. And also at 47 (and now 49) I went to get my 2nd bachelors, this time a BFA in photography. Happy to follow your journey.
Congratulations! Let this opportunity be the time for you to grow and thrive.
I love your writing :)
Yay! Thank you
Well done, Allum!
Good luck in the MFA program
Nice to see you on here @G. K. Allum! We met many years ago in Canary Wharf through our day jobs. Rilke’s words ring true and no, one doesn’t need a piece of paper to validate the poet in oneself. I’m pleased to see we’ve each found space here to write.
Hi! I saw you had subscribed and what a pleasure to meet you in this space, I remember you and that time fondly (I'm over in the US now). I look forward to reading your words.
long live the motherfucking imposter!
Congratulations! This is a testament to the power of lived experience, of carving one's own path when the world insists on pre-drawn maps. It speaks to the kind of artistry that isn’t earned through credentials but through the raw act of living.. feeling, losing, searching, and finding oneself in words. The story of acceptance here isn’t just about an MFA program; it is about reclaiming belonging, not in institutions but in one’s own voice.
This is absolutely wonderful writing. I was just replying to you on a note and mentioned imposter syndrome. I think it gets to all of us! Remember, you are just as much a writer as anyone else. It does not matter where we started, what steps we took to be accepted, or how we measure up. You realize as time goes on in the program (rather quickly) that we are all just as much worthy of being there as anyone else. Based on this writing alone, I can confidently say that you will do great in the program and go far. Enjoy every minute of it!
Appreciate the kind words. I am eagerly awaiting the MFA, I am nervous-cited as my children tell me when they're about to embark on a big challenge.
I love that they use “nervous-cited” as a feeling because that is something I feel often and just say I’m both nervous and excited all at the same time. Definitely going to use this term in the future.
So excited for you, and this is a beautiful excerpt. 🙂 How have you managed to balance your personal creative drive (for poetry, photography, etc.) with your professional responsibilities as a marketer? I ask because I’ve been working in content at a digital marketing agency for the last three years or so, and it’s a constant challenge.
It’s a big question, so no worries if you don’t have time to respond. Just thinking out loud.
Good question, hard drugs maybe? I have always been able to manage multiple pathways (just wired that way) and you're meeting V7.4 of G. K. Allum.
During this period, we also moved our young family from the UK to the US. I drive my wife mad with all my ventures but she's very supportive (e.g. self publishing 4 books). I now lead a team of 90+ Marketers, but I was also the European Head of Social and Creative at Sony and then helped build paid media and digital agencies (Jellyfish, if you know them).
The simple answer is I try to always be authentic, whichever version that is, so at work I am successful because I am poetic and bring that to the corporate life. (You can stalk me on LinkedIn if you wish and connect there - Greg Allum at Stand Together)
And a low-res MFA alongside my day-to-day work life will be a challenge, for certain, but it also allows me to redefine my future self.
Appreciate the thoughtful response. Love the simple answer, and I’m trying to show up more “poetically” in my work as well.
Ah, Jellyfish! I benchmarked them last year during our rebrand. Small (digital) world. :)
Stoked for you as you enter this new chapter and eager to meet G.K Allum V7.5!
I can relate since I was also told I couldnt write until i go get a diploma or degree in creative writing. But here I am now, a professional writer with all the skills and works written
First, Congratulations to you on your accomplishments on this yet another big milestone of your life.
Secondly, just a snippet of my thoughts as reading your article, and especially your essay: you are very relatable. Your words, about rhythm, your stories, the relationship with your grandma, the thoughts under the sheets waiting to be found (then lost upon waking up - at least that's the case with me) are all things to which I can very much relate.
Finally, I've never read anyone in English, apart from Russell Baker's Growing up, who was able to make me shout out: That's it! Exactly as he says! He captured it perfectly! I know what he means! At the same time, after having my own experiences, I am at the brink of deleting this all and say: I have to be careful, not to reveal too much of what I think, how I feel. On the other hand though, isn't it what makes writing poetry or prose so nice, the ability to put words to feelings and conveying them in such a way, by grabbing the reader by the collar (as I said earlier, maybe even under one of your posts) or by magnetism, pulling them in.
Just keep going and whenever impostor syndrome comes to play, just hush it. For all of our benefit. :)
Best,
HC.
This is so encouraging. Thank you
The start of your personal essay is an exceptional first line.
Wonderful!
Congratulations! And enjoy it. We'll look forward to read the writing.
Thank you, I also believe studying at my age (47) is driven by a different motivation. For the love of it, and that in itself is a joy.