TCC student is published in national literary journal

Megan Pastore at TCC's Chesapeake Campus.

Tidewater Community College student Megan Pastore discovered her passion for writing in Rick Alley’s creative writing class. She enjoyed the writing prompts as they sparked her creativity and ultimately earned her national recognition.

“I feel a sense of joy and passion that I didn’t know I could feel,” Megan said. “I have a purpose outside of being a wife and mother. I don’t know where this is going to take me, but I know I want to teach creative writing workshops in the community and one day teach at the college level, hopefully at TCC.”

Megan was one of twenty-eight Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members who had their writing published in the 2021 issue of PTK’s online literary journal, “Nota Bene.” PTK is the honor society for two-year schools.

“Nota Bene” showcases the outstanding writing of community college students. More than 440 entries were submitted to the 2021 competition, which is judged by current and retired college faculty and staff from across the country. The digital issue will be available on ptk.org this winter.

Megan received “Nota Bene’s” highest honor, the Ewing Citation Award of $1,000, for her short story, “Brother Fox.” The award is named in honor of the late Nell Ewing, a long-time PTK staff member, and goes to the author of the competition’s most outstanding entry.

“TCC was a perfect place for me,” Megan said. “With young and older students, career changers, it was a beautiful place to find myself and the support of my professors was phenomenal.”

Megan earned her associate degree at TCC in May 2021 and is continuing her studies at Old Dominion University where she is pursuing a bachelor’s in English with a concentration in creative writing. She hopes to also pursue a master’s in fine arts. She would one day like to be a published author.

“I know I’m meant to help other writers find their voice,” Megan added. “I wouldn’t be here today without the support of my TCC professors who encouraged me and told me that I had a voice. They planted those seeds and gave me the confidence to pursue this dream.”