Mrs. Bustamante
As a Teaching Assistant, Mrs. Bustamante brings extensive experience as a writing coach and developmental editor, having worked with students and writers of all ages and abilities. She has taught seminars on Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead and selections from Robinson’s essays, as well as a seminar exploring the effectiveness of hybrid writing in memoir, particularly in memoirs addressing marginalization.
She holds a B.A. from Colorado State University and an M.F.A. in Creative Nonfiction from Cedar Crest College.
A long-time resident of Fort Collins, she has experienced many stages of her adult life in the community and has watched Ridgeview become a pinnacle of education in Fort Collins.
Q & A with Mrs. Bustamante
Where were you born and where have you lived?
I was born in Denver, Colorado, and I have lived in Golden and Fort Collins.
Where did you attend university or college?
I attended Colorado State University for my undergraduate studies in Literature, and I received my Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction from Cedar Crest College.
What kind of reading do you most enjoy doing?
I love heavy hitters--the classics, the tough reads. My favorite book of all time is Crime and Punishment. I love everything that Marilynne Robinson has ever written. I feel like I have a bit of Kafka living in my soul, and I definitely identify with the passion and internal discord of Russian Literature. Some of my favorite poets are Marie Howe, Alice Miller, and Salvador Espriu. If you haven't read The Time of the Doves by Mercè Rodoreda, I strongly recommend you give it a try. Most recently, I have taken a deep dive into Irish literature, exploring the contemporary landscape of literature and poetry being written all over the Republic and Northern Ireland. I love to read more than anything else, so feel free to ask me for recommendations in any genre. If I don’t have a good new recommendation, I’m sure one of my children will.
What are the small essentials that make life more comfortable?
Silence. Sunrises. Old friends. Good books. Oh, and coffee. Black coffee.
What are your favorite snacks?
Potato chips, hummus and veggies, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
What do you do to unwind?
I rock climb, or I run. Sometimes I like to go hit a bucket of balls at the driving range. Any sport that will get me out of my head and more connected to my body. I love pickleball and hiking. I also love paddleboarding. If you are persistent, you might be able to coax me out onto the frisbee golf course.
How could a parent volunteer help you most?
Making photocopies, helping with reading or math groups, dropping by with tea or coffee for Mrs. Turner and me. Really, anything that is in your heart to do is beautiful and appreciated.
