All writing tells a story. In creative writing, this ability to tell a story is usually done on purpose, with transparent and even explicit intent. But in professional writing, stories are often told in subtle ways, with that implicit nature used to supplement the professional goals of communication. The academic and business world are experiencing these truths yet many writing experts still feel hesitant to admit to (or even proclaim) their creativity. I want to change that, by being a dynamic example of a professional writer and instructor who is equally proud of her creative writing work. My journey to this moment began in the Master of Arts Writing program at the University of North Alabama, when I had to choose between creative writing and technical writing as the focus of my studies. I chose creative writing because I've always been passionate and excited about writing poetry, short stories, and creative essays. But I also chose to extend my 36 hours of required study into 54 hours of completion, in order to fully understand the "other side" of writing. And the more I understand about professional writing, the more I realize that this divide is unnecessary - and counterproductive. I would argue that the most successful creative writers are also highly professional, and the most successful professional writers are also highly creative. That is my advocacy and my intentions as a writing instructor: to teach others in and outside of the classroom just how true that statement is.