Welcome to EXPLORATIONS, Mountain Empire Community College's new student arts publication. Current and former students were invited to submit work in five categories: Poetry, Short Story, Personal Essay, Photography, and Drawing. The materials recognized by the judges in each category are featured. EXPLORATIONS grew out of the tremendous talent and energy here at MECC and the strong existing tradition this college community has in the creative arts of literature, photography, and drawing. We invite you to enjoy our students' creations, and if you are a MECC student or alumni, we invite you to submit your own work next year!