November 2011, Volume 15, Number 5

Cultural Spotlight

MDC Professor Wins Prestigious Poetry Award

Professor Hettich
MDC Professor Michael Hettich won the 2011 Swan Scythe Press Poetry Chapbook Contest for his manuscript "The Measured Breathing."

MDC Professor Dr. Michael Hettich won the prestigious 2011 Swan Scythe Press Poetry Chapbook Contest for his manuscript The Measured Breathing. Hettich’s work was chosen from among 165 entries from around the world.

“Writing is a humbling experience,” said Hettich, who teaches creative writing at MDC's Wolfson Campus. “There are so many great people who have preceded you. No matter your level of expertise, you are just beginning.”

Despite his modesty, Hettich is by no means a beginner. He has written 12 books of poetry, and his work has been published in a wide variety of literary journals across the nation.

Hettich has taught at Miami Dade College for more than 20 years. He is also co-advisor for Metromorphosis, Wolfson Campus’ student literary magazine.

Because he is an active writer, Hettich said he can relate to the challenges his students face.

“I work on writing every day,” Hettich said. “After a while, you realize how long you have to work to get good.”

— WV


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