As a hip-hop artist, spoken word poet, high school teacher, speaker, podcaster, writer and DJ, Jon Corbin is familiar with the power of storytelling and its many forms. He is graduating this spring with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction, during which he was awarded both the Sylvia D. Hamilton Award and the Master of Fine Arts Research Scholarship.
What drew you to King’s originally?
Reading works from previous graduates. I loved reading literary journals and perusing author bios. One listed the King’s MFA, so I went exploring. The prospect of a program that taught business as well as craft intrigued me.
What inspired you to pursue an MFA?
For years I wanted to do some kind of graduate work, but I was frozen with too many options: education, theology, community music and creative writing. My wife finally pushed me to pick one. I chose the option that excited me the most.
Was there a course, mentor, reading requirement or experience that has had a lasting impact on you?
Reading Matthew R. Morris’ Black Boys Like Me, I found a reflection of myself—mixed-race, GTA-based teachers who love Hip Hop. Yet, our journeys with mixed identities diverged. Seeing his story encouraged me to tell my own, and that my journey could take different paths and still hold value.
What was your most memorable moment?
The late-night writing marathons to finish both semesters. In my first year, I wrote in a hospital bathroom; in my second year, in my basement after a late-night flight from Ontario. My back was sore for weeks both times.
What’s your top writing tip?
Writing requires resilience. Writing is resilience. Sometimes, when you have nothing left, write.
What’s one thing from your time at King’s that you’re especially proud of?
Receiving an award in the name of the great Sylvia Hamilton.
Thinking back to who you were when you received your acceptance letter, what would you tell them?
Don’t wait for the perfect life conditions, write where you are. You’re one of those weirdos who loves school. Enjoy being in the place you love. Then, chronicle the wins. You will need them for the low moments.
Where do you hope your degree takes you next?
I leave King’s with something I’ve long wrestled to obtain: belief. I believe I have a book worth reading—and one worth selling. That confidence fuels my goals: I want my book in classrooms, its publicity to highlight my innovative arts programs and to transform it into a one-person play that takes me to places I’ve never been.
