Victoria Piontek, '94
Victoria Piontek is an author from Jacksonville. Her debut novel, The Spirit of Cattail County, was published this year by Scholastic Press and tells a ghostly story of magic and friendship set in the Everglades. She is also a literary associate for executive agent, Laura Rennert, at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
A 1994 graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences with a BA in communications, Victoria also holds an MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hollins University and an MST in Education from Pace University.
Though she now lives in California, Jacksonville was always home for Victoria. She expressed how having an institution like UNF in her backyard felt like a gift, and that during her time as an undergrad, one professor in particular provided mentorship and guidance.
"She helped me hone skills and encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming a writer," Victoria says. "She had young children and a busy life, but she always made time for her students. I have never forgotten the generosity of her mentorship, and I have tried to emulate her example in my own life."
Prior to her current roles, Victoria had a myriad of other jobs, from waitressing to sales, but her favorite occupation was teaching middle school children in New York City as a Teach for America corps member.
When she's not writing, you can find her hiking in the Bay Area, where she lives with her husband, three children and gigantic fluffy dog. And even though she's far from the Nest, Victoria is grateful for her lifelong connection to the Osprey community.
"Our universities and students are one of our most precious commodities, and I think it is very important to be available to pay it forward. Staying connected as an alumnus makes this possible," she says. "Community is also very important to me, and I love that UNF actively helps alumni stay connected to each other and the UNF community."
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