Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation

Study Break, a collection of interconnected contemporary Young Adult short stories written by Gen Z authors, explores different parts of ＂the college experience,＂ from questioning your major to questioning your identity.

College...the best time, the worst time, and something in between.

What do you do when orientation isn’t going according to your (sister’s) detailed plans? Where do you go when you’re searching for community in faith? How do you figure out what it means that you’re suddenly attracted to your RA? What happens when your partner for your last film project is also your crush and graduation is quickly approaching?

Told over the course of one academic year, this collection of stories set on the same fictional campus features students from different cultures, genders, and interests learning more about who they are and who they want to be. From new careers to community to (almost) missed connections -- and more -- these interconnected tales explore the ways university life can be stressful and confusing and exciting and fulfilling.

Gen Z contributors include Jake Maia Arlow, Arushi Avachat, Boon Carmen, Ananya Devarajan, Camryn Garrett, Christina Li, Racquel Marie, Oyin, Laila Sabreen, Michael Waters, and Joelle Wellington.

Aashna Avachat graduated from UC Berkeley in Spring 2020 with a B.A. in English and is an editorial assistant at Andrea Brown literary agency. She also acts as a Program Manager for DVmentor-- a publishing mentorship initiative for marginalized authors offered by Diverse Voices, Inc.-- and a Pitch Wars mentor and alum. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading on a sunny patch of grass, going on long walks to grocery stores, or being cozy with one of her many foster kittens. Aashna currently lives in Washington, DC. You can find her on Twitter: @AashnaAvachat.