Writer's Playground
The Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension’s Writer’s Playground is a free creative writing and technology course that aims to help students find their creative voices and think critically. Participants focus on effective communication and self-expression to deepen their understanding in a creative space and learn from diverse perspectives.
The program challenges writers to analyze diverse literary works and artwork through idea generation and problem-solving activities. These interactions allow them to explore imaginative possibilities using the art of story mapping, poetry brainstorming, and world building. They build confidence and learn how to apply different techniques to their own work.
Co-creators
Latasha Ford, a native of Ashburn, Georgia, is the research communications manager for Fort Valley State University’s College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology. She tells the stories of students, alumni, and communities impacted by Cooperative Extension and research. She is a member and leader of various national and international organizations. An award-winning journalist and communicator, Latasha worked in print news for seven years before transitioning to higher education in 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University (GSU). She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies at GSU. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Latasha enjoys writing poetry, reading, empowering youth through creativity, and volunteering for a nonprofit organization in her community. She is a proud member of New Hope Baptist Church in Perry, Georgia.
Dr. Yolanda Surrency is passionate about empowering learners to help them succeed academically and professionally. She shares her knowledge, educating youth and adults in both traditional and nontraditional learning environments. Dr. Surrency gained a new way of thinking about how to create learning opportunities that evade generalization while earning her Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern University. She discovered a deep appreciation for narratives and uses it to promote diversity within her curriculum development. Her research focuses on personal narratives and mothering. She published a chapter, “Mothering for Resilience and Empowerment: Narratives of Single Black Mothers and Their Daughters, in Connectedness, Resilience and Empowerment: Perspectives on Community Development” (2023). Dr. Surrency is a technology curriculum specialist for Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension Program. She serves as a technical chief warrant officer with the Georgia Army National Guard. Dr. Surrency spends her leisure time reading autobiographies, watching documentaries, and relaxing on the beach.