Penn State Abington student Oshelynn Cabrera created character sketches for the protagonists in her first novel, "Where the Stars Remember Us."
ABINGTON, Pa. — Oshelynn Cabrera is wrapping up her final semester at Penn State Abington with accolades for her debut novel "Where the Stars Remember Us," which she discussed at an international conference, and she received the annual Thomas R. and Eileen Walton Smith Award for Achievement in the Arts and Humanities for the book.
The Smith selection committee described her work as “an exceptional achievement and a fitting recipient of the award. Set in Seoul, Cabrera’s story takes us deep into the life of her protagonist as he wrestles with class, LGBTQ+ identity, mental anxiety, and familial history. Filled with rich detail, the book also serves as a tutorial for the reader in understanding contemporary Korean culture.”
Cabrera, who speaks four languages, said the book reflects on her personal obstacles and her multicultural background.
“It’s a story about family trauma and forgiving and moving on for your own benefit and seeing the light at the end the tunnel. It’s my homage to the Korean and Thai cultures that raised me,” she said.
Cabrera was the only Penn Stater invited to present at the Sigma Tua Delta International English Honors Society in Pittsburgh last month. She also serves as the president of its Abington campus chapter.
“I was surrounded by professors, authors, board members and fellow students. I connected with many people, including New York Times bestselling authors. One of the other students invited me to collaborate on a proposal she was submitting about Shakespeare and the translation of his plays to media,” she said.
Cabrera, a psychological and social sciences major with a writing minor, encourages other students to present at or attend conferences and symposiums. She was supported with funds from ACURA, the campus undergraduate research program.
“I submitted my paper on a whim and I got in! Take a chance and network because you deserve to get your name out there,” the first-generation college student said.
She spent countless hours writing "Where the Stars Remember Us," and she credits Jimmy J. Pack Jr., assistant teaching professor of English, for helping her refine the novel during two courses, ENGL 212: Introduction to Fiction Writing and ENGL 422: Fiction Workshop.
“Jimmy has become a mentor and confidant, offering invaluable support as I navigated the writing and publishing process,” she said, alluding to the notes he provided to bring the book to fruition.
Pack, who edited Cabrera's pitch letter to literary agents, said he will miss their conversations about writing after Cabrera graduates, but he hopes they stay connected.
“Oshelynn is one of the most focused, tenacious writing students I have worked with in recent years,” he said. “Her dedication to writing is an inspiration to her fellow writing students as well as our faculty. It is clear that she not only loves to write but is compelled to be creative. With her focus, and her drive to revise and better her work, it took her less than six months to complete a novel — I'm so proud of her!”
Penn State Abington senior Oshelynn Cabrera was invited to present her debut novel at the Sigma Tau Delta international conference where she met professors, bestselling authors, board members, and other students.
The Philadelphia resident is looking ahead to “a fresh experience” after graduation by enrolling in a master’s degree program outside of the United States. She plans a dual career as a therapist and author.
She’s also revisiting her years at Abington, where was busy with campus organizations and working at the Lions Gate residence hall and as a peer leader.
Cabrera also spent time supporting other students as a math tutor and staffing the front desk at the Chaiken Center for Student Success, where she reported to Meredith Tarditi, an academic and career success coach.
“Oshelynn is a great example of what can be possible for students here at Abington by connecting with faculty, engaging in student employment, discovering academic strengths, and being involved on campus. I know others will be inspired by her achievements,” Tarditi said.
Cabrera leaves Abington with many fond memories of the campus community.
"The Penn State people are super nice, and there is professionalism weaved into their friendliness. It's also a really great deal financially, but it’s the community overall. Abington really wound up choosing me,” she said.
Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,100 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 26 majors, accelerated master's degrees, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.
