Sac State Student's Writing Heals Self, Builds Community

The Final Draft podcast explores how Bilqees Gaffar's personal essays on her Substack blog 'A Place to Bloom' navigate self-discovery and nurture community.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In the debut episode of The Final Draft podcast, host Maya Denaé Taylor sits down with writer and undeclared sophomore Bilqees Gaffar to discuss her writing process, published works, and how her personal essays on themes of self-definition, culture, community, and artistic expression have helped her heal and build community.

Why it matters

This story highlights how student writers at Sacramento State are using personal essays and online platforms like Substack to explore themes of identity, community, and self-discovery - providing a model for other young writers looking to find their voice and connect with others.

The details

The episode focuses on four of Gaffar's essays from her Substack blog 'A Place to Bloom,' which delve into topics like self-definition, the meaning of love, navigating uncertainty, and the pressure of control. Through her writing, Gaffar aims to heal herself and nurture a sense of community around shared experiences.

  • The Final Draft podcast debuted in February 2026.

The players

Maya Denaé Taylor

A fourth-year journalism major and philosophy minor who is the magazine editor at The State Hornet and the host of The Final Draft podcast.

Bilqees Gaffar

An undeclared sophomore at Sacramento State University who writes personal essays on her Substack blog 'A Place to Bloom.'

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What they’re saying

“The world needs what you have to offer. Your story, your voice, your perspective - it matters.”

— Bilqees Gaffar, Writer (A Place to Bloom)

“Love is not boastful. Love is patient and kind.”

— Bilqees Gaffar, Writer (A Place to Bloom)

What’s next

The Final Draft podcast plans to continue exploring the work of student writers at Sacramento State, highlighting how they are using personal essays and online platforms to navigate identity, community, and self-discovery.

The takeaway

Through her personal essays, Bilqees Gaffar demonstrates how student writers can use their platforms to heal themselves and build community around shared experiences - providing a model for other young writers looking to find their voice and connect with others.