Mia Tierney recently graduated from the University of Portland with a B.A. in English and minors in Writing and Spanish. At the University of Portland, Mia devoted much of her undergraduate years to endeavors of the arts and creative writing, both in her work as Senior Editor for Writers Magazine, the University's sole creative publication for student work, and in her own creative pursuits. In 2023, Mia represented the University of Portland at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, where she collaborated with a team of students and mentors from across the Pacific Northwest to produce her own short play about Climate Change. Since then, she has written for and competed in short play festivals across Oregon and Washington. Mia is eager to explore the present day theater scene in Athens, as well as immerse herself in the deep and complex history of tragedies and comedies in Greece. Since her graduation, Mia has worked as a Paraeducator in the Beaverton School District, working with elementary school students on reading and math support. She compliments this work with volunteering at her local library’s story time, and she worked as a Student Assistant in her university’s library and digital lab while still in school.  She has found a passion and love for both education and library work, and sees their commonalities as crucial in shaping the lives of people of all ages. While working as a Fulbright Fellow, Mia hopes to deepen her understanding of how literature and storytelling function as tools to unite students beyond their perceived differences.