Tri-County Tech Comprehensive Studies Student
Is Among Winners in National Writing Contest

CONTACT: LOU WOOD, EXT. 2177

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/14/99
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Throughout the years, Melissa McKerrihan had tried to distance herself from her feelings about her tumultuous childhood and how it affected her education. But when she returned to college earlier this year, an opportunity to confront and resolve those feelings surfaced in the form of a writing contest.

The 25-year-old Comprehensive Studies student at Tri-County Technical College entered the Townsend Foundation Scholarship program's essay contest where she explored the theme of "Taking Charge of My Life." Editors invited developmental reading and writing students to write about the obstacles, inside and/or outside of themselves, that they had to overcome to be in college.

McKerrihan says she delved into the past, remembering an often painful childhood that included abuse. "I couldn't concentrate in school. And when I was at school, I was daydreaming or trying to stay awake. I couldn't concentrate, and my grades suffered. Also, I was shy, and the bullies picked on me," she said.

She continued: "These were feelings I hadn't thought about in years. It was a challenge to write the essay. It's difficult to think about the past and to relive it. It caused me stress, but it was worth it. I remember how bad things were and how great they are now."

After returning from a vacation earlier this month, she received a letter stating that she was one of 20 fourth-place winners in the national contest. Included in that letter was a check for $250.

This is the first time that a Tri-County Tech student has won a top honor in the contest.

The editors wrote, "Many times people experience hard luck and often great hardship that makes them feel they have lost control over their lives. In the midst of pain something happens. A spark ignites and from that emerges extraordinary people like yourself who have taken strong determined steps to make their lives what they want them to be."

"My life has changed so much," said McKerrihan, a California native who moved to Anderson with her husband and who wants to pursue a career in education.

"I always wanted to write about my experiences, but I had no reason to do so. The contest money was great, but it's not about the money. It was a challenge to see what I could accomplish. When I look back, I never thought I had the skills or the confidence to win," said McKerrihan, whose essay was chosen from hundreds of entries.

Lou Wood, head of the Developmental English department for the College's Comprehensive Studies Division, encouraged McKerrihan to enter the contest. "She is conscientious, she works hard, and does an outstanding job. I have never seen anyone with a greater love of learning. It's very inspiring to me as a teacher. She deserves this award."

After having several dead end, low-paying jobs, McKerrihan is now in college where she has "developed a love and passion for learning," she said. She recently was named the outstanding English student for the Comprehensive Studies Division at the Tri-County Tech's annual awards ceremony. "I have had really positive experiences here at Tech. Everyone is so helpful, and the instructors really motivate you."

She wants to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher because "I think it will be very gratifying to help kids who were just like me – those who had a lot of trouble in school because home problems made it hard to concentrate."

"Today, I'm a very lucky person. I have a great husband, I'm in college, and I'm loving it."
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