PirateQ 
“O, Captain! My Captain!” – Walt Whitman
Anyone who has watched the iconic movie Dead Poets Society (starring the late Robin Williams, who portrays boarding school English teacher John Keating) knows what a powerful influence teachers (and staff) can have on us as we grow and evolve while attaining an education. In the movie, Professor Keating wants the boys to call him this because Whitman’s poem is about leading and taking a stand for one’s beliefs, even if it’s against the common thought.
Who has had this sort of decisive influence on YOU at Pensacola State College? To whom would you give such accolades? Students have a chance to write a 500-word essay to sing the praises of such a powerful influencer in their lives — and to win $1,000 and a trip to Austin, Texas, for wearing their hearts on their sleeves!
Those entering the contest must seek feedback from the Writing Lab OR attend a writing workshop (offered Feb. 12 from 2-3 p.m. or Feb. 13 from 5-6 p.m. in the PSC Writing Lab on the Pensacola campus, Bldg. 4, Room 446 or via Zoom using meeting ID 961 3927 7953) to submit their essays by the Wednesday, Feb. 19, 11:59 p.m. deadline.
Join past PSC $1,000 winners Allison C. Dugas (2021) and Julia Riser (2020) in gaining recognition for both the PSC employee who has made a difference in your life and for you as the “real” winner of this person’s intangible influence on your life (and of the tangible rewards of cash money and travel as an added bonus).
Ready to stand on a desk (figuratively, of course) to sing this person’s praises? For more details, contact Jessica Millis, Writing Lab Supervisor, at writinglab@pensacolastate.edu or call (850) 484-1451. Carpe diem!