When I initially told my friends that I was going back to school to get my MFA in Creative Writing at the age of 55, many asked why I would even bother. I already had published two poetry collections, had given dozens of poetry readings at local and national venues, and was well established in the L.A. poetry community.

If you asked me today if I'd do it again, the answer would be a resounding "Yes!" Antioch Los Angeles provides a wonderful, supportive learning environment in general. And, speaking specifically of the creative writing program, Antioch has what I consider to be one of the best low residency MFA programs in the country with one of the finest faculties of working writers.

The difference my MFA has made is not only evident in my poetry, but in how I now approach my work and teaching. Perhaps the Antioch MFA experience was best captured by one of my fellow students who said: "It's not a competition but a community."

- Jim Natal
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Click here to learn more about the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program