Courtney Angela Brkic facts for kids

Courtney Angela Brkic (born 1972) is a writer from the United States. She is known for writing memoirs (stories about her own life) and short stories. She also works as a teacher at a university. Courtney has a background that is both American and Croatian.

Early Life and Education

Courtney Angela Brkic was born in Washington, D.C.. She grew up in a place called Arlington, Virginia. She went to Yorktown High School there.

After high school, she studied at the College of William & Mary. She majored in anthropology, which is the study of human societies and cultures. She also studied Hispanic cultures.

Before she earned a special writing degree (an MFA) from New York University, Courtney lived in several countries. She spent time in Bosnia, Croatia, and the Netherlands.

Helping Others and Teaching

In 1996, when Courtney was 23 years old, she traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina. She joined a team that helped identify people who had gone missing during a conflict. This work was very important for families. It helped them learn what happened to their loved ones.

Later, she worked as a translator for a special court. This court was called the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Her job was to help translate important documents for the court. This court helped deal with big international problems and make sure justice was served.

Courtney has also taught creative writing to students. She has taught at places like New York University and Kenyon College. Today, she teaches at George Mason University. She lives in New York City with her husband, Phil.

Awards and Recognition

Courtney Brkic has received several important awards for her writing. These awards recognize her talent and hard work.

• In 2008, she received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. This grant helps writers with their projects.
• She won a Whiting Award in 2003. This award is given to talented new writers.
• She also received a Fulbright Scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to research women in Croatia who were affected by war.
• Courtney also earned a New York Times Fellowship.