history: I've felt excited when I found out I had won a place on a prestigious creative writing course, taught by someone who I knew could help me in ways that I would I not be able to through self-study alone.  I've felt excited when I found out I had won a place on a prestigious creative writing course_comma_ taught by someone who I knew could help me in ways that I would I not be able to through self-study alone. You are so lucky to be talented enough to achieve such an honor. Was it as wonderful as you had imagined it would be?
current: Thank you for the kind words. You know what? It was, but not for the reasons I imagined! It turned out that everyone in the class developed a really close bond and while the advice from the teacher was wonderful, it was the lifelong friendships and mutual edits that the students do for each other that has proved equally special! 
next: Sounds like it was a once in a lifetime experience.