December 2003
Issue

When I gaze out my front door, I witness the Colorado scenery that inspired the eloquent words to America the Beautiful.

It is no wonder that at this time of year my desire to produce some sort of literary masterpiece is at its peak. During the school year, I seldom find the time to write for myself; however, I vow that each fall will be different. I will take a few moments out of my day to refine my prose.

I have always had a passion for writing. In high school, I spent hours writing poetry in my notebooks. I wrote to give my otherwise monotonous life some much-needed verve. One day, I left my writing-filled notebook in the high school sick room, where it was later discovered by the secretary. She took a selection from my work and secretly had it framed for me as a gift. Although my initial instinct was to be mortified that I had been "discovered," it was also heartening that someone thought enough about my writing to have it published. Since that day, I have chosen to share my love for poetry, writing frequently for family and friends. Although I have given my parents many recent writings, that first poem still hangs proudly on the wall in their home.

When was the last time you put your pencil to paper and let creativity take over? Scratch out homework, Phi Theta Kappa essays, and meeting notes. Now, what's left? Nothing? Often we write for function, strictly for a purpose. But what about the times when we just write for pure enjoyment? If you have been searching for such an occasion, Nota Bene is your golden opportunity!

Every year, more than 1,000 members submit their manuscripts to be considered for publication in this literary anthology. It is a distinct honor to be a published author in Nota Bene, a bragging right that few can claim. Brenda Hunt, Citation Scholarship winner and Phi Theta Kappa member from Western Piedmont Community College in North Carolina, agreed. "Being published and winning a scholarship for my short story in Nota Bene has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life," said Hunt. "I was not only honored to have my story selected from so many talented scholars, but I also gained a deeper confidence in my abilities as a writer. No matter where my writing takes me, I will always consider the Nota Bene Citation Scholarship to be my finest and most cherished achievement."

Whether you have a special story-writing gift or have composed an intriguing research paper, your talents could earn you one of five scholarships through publication in Nota Bene. Four authors will receive Reynolds Scholarships of $500 each. In addition, the author of the most outstanding submission will receive the $1,000 Citation Scholarship. Qualitative and quantitative research papers, poetry, short stories, essays and drama are accepted for consideration. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of writers and educators, and 100 selections will be chosen for final review by the Nota Bene Jury. Up to 30 selections are chosen annually for publication. Nota Bene authors attending the International Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will be recognized on stage.

This year, I will be among the scores of Society members vying for the opportunity to be published in Nota Bene. Even if my work is not selected for publication, it is comforting to know that I will still be honored for my work by having choice wall space in my parents' home.

Contact Dawneen at dawneen.banks@ptk.org.

For more information www.ptk.org/publications/notabene/ notabene_info.htm or contact Director of Publications Nell Ewing at nell.ewing@ptk.org or 601.984.3516.