By Misti DeHart/ reporter

TCC is blessed with some talented writers, both former and current students, said the faculty editor of Under the Clock Tower Oct. 15.

Rebecca Balcarcel recognized student contributors to the NE English department’s literary journal at its annual reception. Under the Clock Tower, which started its run in the early ’90s, is where the NE English associate professor was first published in 1992, which inspired her to pursue a writing career.

“I didn’t know that a person could write, you know?” she said. “I didn’t know that was an option as a career … That a person could be a poet. There are really poets walking around!”

The reception featured 10 student contributors who read their chosen pieces to over a hundred onlookers, comprised of students, faculty, friends and loved ones.

NE biology student Marena Hanna recited her poetry piece, “What Are You Doing to Me, Egypt?”

“One year ago, I was talking to my friend. She brought up Egypt, and I hadn’t often thought about my country until then,” Hanna said. “Our talk brought back all of the sights and tastes and colors. I began to cry. So when my Comp 1302 professor told [us] about the [Under the Clock Tower] contest, I knew I had to write about it.”

Other NE students, like Jessica Fernandez, who hopes to major in English, were there, originally, for less inspired reasons but were happy they were chosen.

“Honestly, I did this [contest] because my literature professor said that I’d get 10 extra points if I submitted an entry,” she said. “I was like, fine. So when I got the email that my work had been chosen, I was shocked! This is so cool to be a part of this, to be published.”

Although only 28 pieces were selected, Under the Clock Tower receives hundreds of submissions each semester for its biannual writing contest, Balcarcel said. The entries range from personal essays and short fiction to nonfiction as well as poetry.

Submissions are currently being accepted for consideration for the fall 2016 journal until Nov. 6. Students can submit at undertheclocktower.submittable.com or learn more by contacting Balcarcel at rebecca.balcarcel@tccd.edu.