Nicole Acevedo ’25 (MFA) found her voice in Salve’s low-residency MFA program

When Nicole Acevedo ’25 (MFA) moved from Northern California to New England, she couldn’t have predicted that her love for writing would take her on a journey that would span genres and lead to her debut novel. What started as a passion for poetry has now evolved into a deep dive of fiction, thanks to Salve Regina University’s low-residency Newport MFA in creative writing.  

Acevedo discovered a love for writing at an early age. “I had a complex childhood, and writing was an escape for me,” she recalled. Her interest grew through her high school years, where a pivotal introduction to popular "Instapoetry” (think Rupi Kaur, Lang Leav) sparked her enthusiasm for expressing herself through poetry.

After finishing her undergraduate degree, Acevedo worked in marketing, but the pull to become a published writer never subsided. She set her sights on an MFA program, eager to pursue her passion more seriously.

A special program

The decision to pursue an MFA led Acevedo to Salve, where she found a unique program that would allow her to work full-time while earning her degree. “Higher education can sometimes feel inaccessible, and with the Newport MFA, you can do it all,” she said. “I loved that this program allowed me to balance work and my writing. It offered a flexible, independent structure that was perfect for my life at the time.”

The residency aspect of the Newport MFA program was also a draw. As someone who thrives in social environments, Acevedo cherished the opportunity to be around fellow writers. “I love being surrounded by people who share the same passion for writing. The residencies were a great chance to meet up, share work and build relationships with my peers and the faculty. It became such a tight-knit community,” she said. “The faculty really take time to get to know you and invest in your experiences as a writer and also your trajectory through the program.”

“And who wouldn’t want to be in Newport for a week at a time, twice a year?”

Acevedo immersed herself in poetry throughout the program but also expanded to fiction. “I realized that my heart was still in poetry, but I wanted to explore other genres too,” she said. “The great thing about the Newport MFA is for your residencies, you don't actually have to stay in the same genre that you enter with. So, I was able to explore fiction and loved it. I completed my debut novel, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Her novel, “Everywhere, Everything,” tells the story of 18-year-old Nat Sullivan, who, after graduating from high school, embarks on a journey to find her estranged father. Along the way, she bonds with three brothers who join her road trip. The novel explores themes of family, identity and the complexities of love, drawing from Acevedo’s own experiences with family dynamics and self-discovery.

“Writing this novel was a cathartic process for me,” said Acevedo. “I pulled a lot from my own life, so Nat’s character is based on a lot of my experiences, but I also wanted to approach it from a different angle. When I was younger, I was very angry and headstrong, and Nat reacts to things in the opposite way, with more gentleness.”

Uplifting underrepresented voices

As a Latina writer, Acevedo recognizes the importance of having diverse voices in literature, that share the stories and struggles of people whose experiences are often overlooked. "For me, writing is a way to heal and understand the world around me," she said. "Being able to write from my own cultural perspective is important. It’s not just about telling a story – it’s about adding my voice to the literary world and making sure it’s heard."

Working with mentors like adjunct professor Jennifer De Leon helped her hone her craft and gave her the confidence to embrace her identity as a Latina writer. "It was such a great experience to work with someone who understood my cultural background," she said, adding, “It’s hard to find stories that reflect my own experiences, so I want to be that voice for others who might not see themselves in mainstream literature.”

Looking ahead, Acevedo plans to submit her debut novel for publication and pursue new projects in fiction and poetry. She also continues to engage with the writing community on platforms like Wattpad and TikTok, where she has cultivated a following for her fanfiction-based work. “It has been so rewarding to connect with readers who appreciate these stories,” she said. “I never imagined my writing would reach people in this way, but it’s been incredible.”

“Confidence is the biggest takeaway from this program,” she reflected. “I came into the MFA program unsure of myself and my voice, but over time, I realized that I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing. I’m a writer, and that’s what I’m going to keep doing.”