Olivia Ferrara, a Columbia State Community College student, recently had her short story featured in the Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Society journal, Hedera helix.

The journal, with submissions from community college students from across the country, features short stories, photography, poetry, essays and more.

Ferrara, a Columbia native, received first place in the Short Fiction category with her piece, “Ears to Hear, and Eyes to See.” She also received a $500 award for her work.

“Olivia worked hard on her short story, and I was so happy for her when she ran to my office to share the exciting news that she won first place in the short fiction category!” said Dr. Jessica Evans, Columbia State associate professor of English and SKD faculty sponsor. “She is an active SKD member who has been an absolute delight and a great addition to our chapter.”

The story centers around Elizabeth, a four-year-old with cerebral palsy, and Emily, her caregiver. The first-person perspective is from Emily, who describes her daily life working with Elizabeth, as she cannot move independently and is nonspeaking. While these traits make others look down at Elizabeth or pity her, Emily only sees a child with whom she wishes to connect and understand, despite communication barriers.

“My inspiration for this story was taken directly from my daily life,” Ferrara said. “While the story is dramatized and fictionalized, I am a nanny for a non-speaking little girl with cerebral palsy, and she communicates with me in a similar manner to what happens in the story. She's a great kid whom I love working with, and I fully owe this story to her and our time together.”

Ferrara’s work ultimately highlights that true connection goes beyond verbal speech, requiring only patience and the willingness to see others clearly.

When asked what message she most wished people would take from her story, Ferrara said, “We should always seek a better understanding of each other.” 

Read Ferrara’s full story.

To join Columbia State’s Eta Beta Chapter of SKD, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, a B or better in all English courses and a minimum of 12 completed credit hours of college coursework. Students in all programs and majors are welcome to join. Find out more information on SKD.