Meet Anna Lee Sanchez ’27
Where are you from and what is your background?
I grew up between Tijuana, México, and San Diego, where the borderlands shaped my identity and perspective. I am a Chicana writer, mother of five, and advocate who founded MAMS to uplift mother scholars in higher education. My poetry and research focus on BIPOC communities, migration, and motherhood, all rooted in the resilience of my family and community.
Why did you apply for this graduate program and decide to study at USF?
I applied to USF’s MFA program because of its commitment to diverse voices and writing as a form of social change. The program’s emphasis on mentorship and community engagement aligns with my goals of publishing meaningful work and teaching in higher education. USF feels like a place where I can grow as both a writer and educator while building connections that extend beyond the classroom.
What impacts has the Dean's Scholarship had on your ability to further your studies?
The Dean’s Scholarship has eased the financial burden of pursuing graduate school while raising five children, making it possible for me to focus more on my studies and writing. Beyond the financial relief, it also gave me a sense of validation and confidence that my voice and work matter. That recognition has motivated me to continue on a path that once felt out of reach.
What are your career ambitions?
My goal is to become a professor and mentor who supports underrepresented and non-traditional students. I also plan to continue publishing poetry and prose rooted in migration, motherhood, and Chicanx/Latinx identities, and to expand my community-based projects that document marginalized voices. At the core of my ambitions is a commitment to writing, teaching, and advocacy as tools for healing and transformation.
What is something unique or interesting about you?
What makes me unique is how I integrate motherhood into my creative and academic work as a source of strength rather than limitation. Raising five children while pursuing higher education has shaped my resilience and deepened my perspective as a writer. I also write bilingually, weaving English and Español to reflect borderland life and to honor the richness of my cultural roots.
Are You ELIGIBLE?
The Dean’s Scholarship recognizes a select group of incoming students in graduate programs, who the admission committees believe will make a substantial contribution to the programs. Recipients are selected based on merit. To be considered for the Dean's Scholarship, students must apply to their program by the program's priority deadline.
