Grab your copy of SWIRL, Lone Star College-Montgomery’s literary arts journal, when it hits campus on Thursday, May 3. A special launch party takes place in the Commons Building (Building A) that evening, with hor d’oeuvres served at 5:30 p.m. and readings beginning at 6 p.m.

SWIRL, in its 14th edition, is a full-color magazine featuring student poetry, prose, art, and photography, and this year, for the first time, contributions from talented writers in the Montgomery County community. It’s produced by a staff of LSC-Montgomery student editors and designers who aim to marry unique design with literature and art.

LSC-Montgomery student Kindall Jackson, who graduates this May with her associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), contributed her poem, “The Division,” to SWIRL.

“Generally speaking, the poem is about introspection and a ‘rebirth’ of sorts,” said Jackson. “I wrote it because I wanted to express how incredible it is that people can reflect and grow accordingly. I think it is important to exercise this gift and be in a constant state of change.”

After graduation, Jackson plans to switch gears from nursing and pursue her dream degree in English literature at Sam Houston State University. She plans to work as a nurse while completing her bachelor’s degree.

“It’s an odd pair, but surprisingly one that helps the other,” she said. “As an aspiring writer and admitted bookworm, I can even see myself teaching in the future.”

Sandi Johnson, adjunct English faculty member at LSC-Montgomery, served as a mentor to the SWIRL student group and motivated students to select quality pieces that reflect the craftsmanship of writing for publication in SWIRL.

“My objective as a teacher encourages students to express themselves through the art of writing,” said Johnson, who also serves as a writing/poetry consultant in The Write Place, the college’s writing center. “Writers can transform into educators of life and philosophies when they share their thoughts, experiences, values, passions, and beliefs through the craftsmanship of the written work, creating a creative environment of respect and appreciation.”

Johnson contributed a short story entitled “A Seat for Daniel,” and a poem entitled “Country Romance,” to this year’s publication.

Other faculty advisors and mentors to the SWIRL student group are LSC-Montgomery English faculty members Rhonda Bitner, Cliff Hudder, and Lana Myers, and LaNae Ridgwell, program manager for publications and marketing.

After Thursday’s launch, SWIRL can be picked up in various locations on campus, as well as viewed online at www.LoneStar.edu/SWIRL.

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.

With 75,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.