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Jhon Sanchez, LL.M. ’07; J.D. ’08, is gaining recognition and honors for his literary pursuits. He cites the encouragement he received from professors at IU McKinney as a factor in his success.

Sanchez is a short story writer and poet living in Brooklyn, New York. His essay, “Album for a Poem,” was featured in the anthology Letting Go: An Anthology of Attempts published by Bacon Press Books. He was awarded the Edward Albee Foundation Fellowship in 2014; the New York Mills Cultural Center Residence Fellowship in 2015; and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Law school has been crucial in his writing career, Sanchez said. He remembers how the late Professor Mary Mitchell, herself a poet, once told him that he had talent for poetry. He also recalls how Professor Florence Roisman insisted that he bring his experiences with human rights into his narrative. Professor Deborah McGregor not only taught him about persuasion in legal writing, but went on to read one of his short stories and provide useful feedback as well.

They weren’t the only professors who taught Sanchez valuable writing skills he uses in his creative work.

“Law school was tough,” Sanchez said. “Professor Maria Pabon-Lopez and Professor George Edwards taught me to be careful with each word.”